The pioneer Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos Southwest Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Rt. Rev’d Ebenezer AjayiAdewole, has identified unrenewed and untransformed heart as a major problem afflicting humanity today.

Delivering his address at the first session of the First Synod of the Diocese of Lagos Southwest Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) held at Cathedral Church of the Pentecost, Festac, Lagos,the Bishop, said every generation needs transformation, including believers who contribute to the increasing level ofcorruption in the society, as well as politicians who solicit for votes from the electorate.

He noted that the constitutions are written and amended, while protests fill the streets, and yet the same problems of corruption, injustice, poverty, and immorality persist.

Lamenting people are busy treating the symptoms, while ignoring the disease, Adewole urged all those contributing tocorruption and injustice in the country to repent and live for Jesus.

He stressed that a sustained commitment to transformation produces increasing Christlikeness that fosters the growth of godly virtues within the churches, communities and nation, and called believers to revisit transformation as the foundation of Christian progress and societal reform.

Explaining the Synod’s theme: “Transformation” the cleric said: “Christian transformation is the process of becoming like Jesus Christ in thought, word, spiritual maturity, discipleship, kingdom life, and making Jesus not only Saviour and Lord, but also Master of one’s life. Some Christian theologians and scholars refer to it as spiritual formation, Christian maturity, or simply normal Christianity.”

On insecurity, the Bishop lamented that Nigerians still live under constant threat of insecurity, despite the gallant efforts federal and state governments have made to rescue the abducted teachers and school children of Oriire School in Oyo State on July 9, 2026.

“Farmers are increasingly unable to cultivate their lands because of attacks by criminal elements, while rural communities continue to experience violent assaults; highways that ought to facilitate commerce and free movement have become places of fear. Innocent men, women, and children have lost their lives, while thousands have been displaced from their ancestral homes,” Adewole said.

He cited the International Organisation for Migration’s record that 104 IDP camps exists in the states, including the FCT, adding that every fresh report of abduction, massacre or violent attack remind Nigerians that security of lives and property are the greatest responsibilities the state and federal governments are yet to fully achieve.

To address the mayhem, the pioneer Bishop described insecurity as Nigeria’s developmental obstacles, admonishing Federal Government to apply stronger intelligence gathering, equip security agencies, improve border surveillance and collaborate with local communities, asideaccelerating righteous judicial processes, among others.

He added that politicians who fund insecurity and use same, “as we heard” to attack their opponent’s credibility in government and politics should repent and turn a new leaf.

On the economy, the cleric also lamented the rising cost of food items, transportation, rent, healthcare, education, electricity and other basic needs, saying small businesses, according to him, are struggling exist, while young graduates search endlessly for jobs and pensioner’s and low-income earners find it increasingly difficult to eat.

Adewole called the church to examine itself and maintain its prophetic voice by proclaiming the truth of God’s word without compromise, and defend justice, uphold righteousness, take care of the vulnerable and continue to provide moral direction to the society.

He also called on political actors to reject violence, intimidation, hate speech, electoral manipulation and actions capable of undermining the nation’s unity.

Adewole, who was the former Dean, Diocese of Lagos West Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), from which Diocese of Lagos Southwest was carved out, commended the Lagos State Governor, BabajideSanwo-Olu’s administration for transforming Lagos in key areas, especially the delivery of $259b city economy, as well as revolutionalising public transportation with the Blue and Red Line rail systems, construction of numerous urban roads, expanding healthcare access and advancing digital–first educational reforms.

He also applauded the governor for the inauguration of Ketu-Ereyun Central food security and Logistics Hub to stabilise prices and expansion of the Imota Rice Mill to boost local production.

Adewole enjoinedBabajideSanwo-Olu to mitigate the prevailing rising inflation, high transportation cost, increasing taxation, increasing energy costs, stressing that the depreciation of the naira has significantly reduced people’s purchasing power.

“As we commend governments efforts in maintaining and improving infrastructure across the metropolis, we ask for more focus on improving infrastructure in Festac and surrounding communities. The present administration has demonstrated uncommon courage, vision, and commitment in pursuing ambitious reforms that have positioned the state as undisputed Centre of Excellence, economic growth, technological innovation, educational excellence, healthcare delivery, effective security surveillance and infrastructure development in Nigeria. These achievements deserve sincere commendation and continued public support.

Bishops from different Dioceses, including Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Rt. Rev’d James Odedeji, his wife, state governors and their representatives, among others dignitaries graced the event.The Special Adviser on Religion (Christian Matters), Rev’dBukolaAdeleke, represented the Lagos State governor, BabajideSanwo-Olu.

The church also used the occasion to give special awards to some governors and individuals for their contributions to humanity in different areas of life.