Former Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, and the immediate past Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Mr. Ben Akabueze, have said that despite Christians’ participation in governance, the country has not experienced the needed transformative change.

They spoke, yesterday, at the inaugural Daniel Taiwo Odukoya lecture in Lagos. Osinbajo said that the church needs to promote good work ethics and values among Christians generally and not for only those in government.

“Many steal by getting paid for the work they did not do. If you go to church when you are supposed to be at work and you get paid for that time then you are stealing from your boss.”

He underscored the importance of what is being taught on our pulpits, noting that good moral values aimed at societal good are no given priority on the pulpits, but rather physical and material wealth are the issues being preached in most pulpits in Nigeria

He added that churches no longer care about the source of the wealth being donated and offered, which should not. He further said that the emphasis now is mostly on miraculous wealth which is very rear, instead of hard work and diligence

He maintained that it is not the number of Christians in government that should matter but what they are equipped with and what standard they exhibit while serving. He said what should also matter is if the Christians in government are giving voice to the principles of the gospel.

On his part, while delivering the lecture, titled, ‘Strengthening the Christian voice in government and public office,’ Akabueze maintained that amplifying the Christian voice would require unity, focus on the core principle of faith rather than doctrines.

He said the church must see those serving in public space as missionaries representing the church and should be supported. He added that love, mercy, integrity, justice, diligence, are truthfulness are all rooted in biblical guidance, saying Christian voices must be galvanised around these golden rules.

He said: “Christianity teaches that we are stewards of God’s creation, responsible for managing wisely and equitably the resources that is committed to us. This concept of stewardship must apply to public office, where leaders are entrusted with the welfare of their communities and must be accountable for their actions.

“Christianity’s commitment to social justice and equity is integral to its teachings and mission. This commitment is particularly relevant in the sphere of government and public office, where decisions and policies have profound impact on society.

“Throughout the Bible, there is a recurring theme of advocacy for the poor, the marginalized and oppressed. Jesus’ ministry focused on reaching out to those on the fringes of society, challenging systemic injustice, and calling for a more equitable distribution of resources and opportunities and opportunities in public office.

“Christians can continue this legacy by championing policies that protect and uplift the most vulnerable members of society.” In her welcome address, Associate Senior Pastor, Fountain of Life Church, Toluwani Odukoya, said her father’s passion for knowledge was not confined to the word of God but extended to reading vast array of books, reflecting his insatiable curiosity and commitment to learning.

She added: “We believe that the annual Daniel Taiwo Odukoya Lectures will carry forward this legacy of empowerment and enlightenment. These lectures are designed to enhance your understanding of leadership, especially from the perspective of a child of God.

“Our goal is to bring you closer to your place of impact and influence, to help you step into and fully occupy the role that God has ordained for you as a beacon of light in this world.”