Methodist bishop, Adegbite, bemoans slow pace of development

Church honours Ndubuisi Kanu

Bishop of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Ikeja, Rt. Rev. Stephen Adegbite, yesterday, said that anyone that emerged president of Nigeria in 2023 must fear God and be able to provide basic necessities of life.

The bishop, while lamenting the slow pace of development in the country, said: “For once, let us be reasonable and leave something good for future generations. So, my message to politicians is ‘don’t promise what you cannot fulfill.”

Bishop Adegbite, who spoke when the church honoured the late military governor of Lagos State, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, with a post-humour award in recognition of his meritorious service and contribution to the growth and development of the diocese, described Kanu as a pillar and a steadfast man.

“Late Sir Ndubuisi Kanu was a very good fellow despite the age difference. He and his wife adopted me as one of their children and that has been the relationship for the last 26 years.
 
“His simplicity and unassuming nature made him unique. He was a forthright man and those are the traits I also have. He fought for democracy and I followed in that step too. I believe in justice and equality.
ad]
“The church is a father to the nation and not in partisan politics. So, we are not going to declare any candidate. It is wrong for anyone to come to the church to canvass for votes. Nobody should deceive us, but we will support anyone that emerges as the president of Nigeria.

God has appointed us to speak and if we fail to do it, God will punish us.”

Wife of Kanu, Gladys Kanu, who spoke on the award, said: “We’ve known the bishop for 26 years and we have been part of the church. So, I am very happy that everything is going well in the diocese. My husband contributed a lot to this diocese and organisations, including NADECO and the Ohanaeze Ndigbo. So, this award is a recognition of his contributions and we are happy for this. It’s a big recognition.