Wife of the Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Dr. Lydia Odedeji, has described the rising number of Out-of-school children in Nigeria as “a ticking time bomb” that must be urgently defused.
In her address at the 26th yearly Women’s Conference of the Diocese in Ipaja, Lagos, Dr.Odedeji called for a state of emergency in the education sector.
The Bishop’s wife, who cited UNICEF data, noted that over 10.2m children of primary school age and 8.1m at the junior secondary level are currently out of school.Decrying the rising figure, Dr.Odedeji blamed poverty and insecurity as key factors causing the problem.
“This is a keg of gunpowder. If not addressed, the explosion may be severe and will consume even those shielded by security escorts,” she warned, urging lawmakers to rise to the challenge by coming up with some legislations that would tackles the crisis head-on.
While commending the Federal Government’s student loan scheme for university undergraduates, she asked for similar interventions at the basic level, including free education for children in primary and secondary schools.
Speaking on the conference theme: “Do Not Give Place To The Enemy,” Odedeji, urged parents, particularly mothers, to embrace godly parenting as a guard against rising youth crime and delinquency.
She admonished mothers whom she described as frontline builders of a peaceful and productive society to “catch them young for God.”On politics, Dr.Odedeji expressed concern over the early build-up to the 2027 elections, saying that governance is being overshadowed by political maneuvering. She also called on women to participate in politics, insisting that their voices are critical in shaping Nigeria’s future.
Earlier, the Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Reverend James Odedeji, charged women to resist the enemy’s influence in their lives.Quoting from the scripture, the Bishop reminded womenthat Satan operates only when given permission, listing weakness, gossip, sin, fear and doubt as common entry points.
“The antidote of these ills, he noted, is to put on the full armour of God, stay rooted in His Word, pray without ceasing, and guard your hearts jealously.”
Highlights of the three-day gathering, held at the Caroline Adebiyi Women’s Conference Centre, included a health lecture on sleep and wellness delivered by Mrs. Oluremi Awe; Bible study sessions; and discussions on contemporary social issues.Over 1,000 delegates drawn from Archdeaconries across the Diocese participated.
Dignitaries at the occasion were drawn from within and outside the diocese and they included, wife of the Bishop of Lagos Mainland, Mrs Olabo Johnson; wife of Ijebu Diocese, Mrs BimbolaOludipe; Dean of the Cathedral, Ven. Ebenezer Adewole; and Life Patrons for the Diocesan Women, OtunbaAtoyebiOyeleke, among others.
