Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos and Bishop of Remo Diocese Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Most Rev’d Michael Fape has attributed Nigeria’s woes to the selfishness of those at the corridors of power, blaming them for putting Nigerians in a fix.
The Archbishop, who spoke last week at the 33rd convocation ceremony organised by the West Africa Theological Seminary (WATS) for its graduating students in Ipaja, Lagos, said the big problem that had put Nigerians in its current position is the selfishness of the political class.
Reminding the graduands of the task ahead of them, Fape said Nigeria is looking for church leaders with sound moral background and godly character to move the country forward.
Speaking on the topic: “Pastoral Leadership And Development Of A National Ethos,” the guest speaker noted that the reality of this could only be seen when such leaders are in interaction with the society, and not when they are aloof from it. He notedthat until pastors operate in an environment that is diametrically opposed to holiness and godliness, it would be difficult to conclude that a leader possesses the virtues and character that could have positive bearing for emergence of a national ethos.
Calling on pastors to evolve a change in their environmentas spiritual catalyst, Fape said: “When discussing pastoral leadership and development of a national ethos, the reality of this can only be seen when such leaders are in interaction with the society, and not when they are a recluse.”
Stating further, he said: “The ability of a pastoral leader to live godly in a way that he becomes a spiritual catalyst for evolvement of a national ethos will be seen when in a dilemma existentially.”
Dilemma, according to him, can be defined in this context as a state of uncertainty in which evil presents itself on every side such that it becomes difficult to determine what course to pursue or what solution to apply.
“When in dilemma, people look for ways out. Some resign to fate, some take to crooked ways, others end their lives abruptly by committing suicide while some resort to seeking divine intervention by exhibiting the godly virtues in them, as it could be seen inJoseph in Genesis 39; Esther in Esther 4:1-16 and the three Hebrews in Daniel Chapter 3,” henoted.
Commending on the seminary for raising godly church leaders at various levels, Fape enjoined the school to see itself as among those that God has raised to rescue the nation from moral decadence.
The Chairman of the Governing Council of WATS, Pastor Emmanuel Oluwayemi, in his opening remark, commended all attendees for finding time to grace the epoch-making programme.
The founder of WATS, Rev’d Gary Maxey, in his speech, explained that WATS was established to train men and women for holy living, as well as taking the gospel to the unreached and creating spiritual awakening. He noted that WATS is a non-denominational seminary in Nigeria that needs the continued support of people to effectively run as a faith-based institution in the country.
Also, the Provost of WATS, Professor Dauda Gava,in his speech, he stated that WATS was founded in 1989 with the goal of training pastors, missionaries and church leaders to be both sound theologians and strong administrators, who would be salt and light in their nations. He also disclosed that 98 students have been found worthy in character and learning and having satisfied the requirement of the school and were presented for graduation in the following accredited programmes of the school:Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and Bachelor of Arts in Theology, Master of Divinity; Master of Arts in Biblical Studies; Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies; Master of Arts in Christian Leadership and Master of Arts in Christian Education.
Others are post-graduate diploma in theology, as well as Doctor of Ministry.
