Archbishop of Lagos, Methodist Church Nigeria, Most Rev. Dr. Isaac Ayo-Olawuyi has urged the political officeholders to take the welfare of Nigerians as paramount. Ayo-Olawuyi, who decried the current state of poverty and insecurity in the country said that Nigerians are suffering.

Speaking on the activities lined up for the Diamond Anniversary celebration of the Diocese at the Wesley Chapel, Ajah, Lagos, Ayo-Olawuyi urged the political class to shun ‘do-or-die’ politics. He noted that no position is worth anybody’s blood.

While expressing optimism that God would intervene in the current situation in Nigeria, the Archbishop commended Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on his giant strides in infrastructural development and security of the state. The cleric believes that the governor would do more if given the opportunity. He applauded the governor’s proactive step in restricting the movement of motorcyclists popularly known as Okada within the Lagos metropolis. He said the move had averted tension, which could obstruct existing peace in the state.

The cleric called on the law enforcement agencies to adhere to the governor’s directives on the ban, saying that the safety of one is the safety of all.

On the Diamond Anniversary celebration with the theme: “Prepare for the second coming of the Lord,” Ayo-Olawuyi said the church plans to plant 60 new churches and wins 60, 000 souls within the next 10 years. He noted that the church started on a humble beginning and thanked God for His intervention and the growth witnessed over the years in the Diocese.

Narrating how the church came to Nigeria, Ayo-Olawuyi said that the church came to Nigeria on September 24, 1842, through Badagry and by the instrumentality of a sent Missionary, Thomas Birch Freeman. The church has grown over the years with a Diocese in Badagry then, but currently, there are nine Dioceses.