As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, Bishop of the Diocese of Ogbomosho and Supervisory Bishop of the Diocese of Ibadan Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Rt. Rev’d Titus Babatunde Olayinka has said that the country must break the cycle of ignorance. He identified ignorance as one of the forces undermining the nation’s progress.

The Bishop made the disclosure, last Sunday, while speaking at a Special Thanksgiving Service organised by the Resurrection, University of Ibadan to mark the Chapel’s yearly National Day held at the Chapel of the Resurrection, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.

He spoke on the theme: “My People Are Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge,” andtaken from Hosea 4:6.Olayinka hinged Nigeria’s persistent challenges on the failure to acquire, understand and apply godly knowledge.

According to him, “our persistent challenges cannot be blamed solely on lack of education or resources, but the deeper problem is the failure to apply godly knowledge.”

He attributed the nation’s struggles to corruption, insecurity, kidnapping, banditry, unemployment, economic hardship, ritual killings, poor leadership and the misuse of national resources.

He stated that academic knowledge without wisdom, integrity and responsibility cannot transform a nation, emphasising, therefore, that knowledge of God’s word must shape the character and decisions of citizens and leaders, as well as produce righteousness, discipline, honesty, discernment and responsible service.

The Bishop urged the Church to remain a strong centre of biblical teaching and moral formation, while families were encouraged to raise a generation that fears God and understands its responsibility to society.

The Chaplain, Venerable Victor IdowuOladele, who celebrated the Holy Communion, offered prayers for a new Nigeria founded on righteousness, unity, peace, diligence, responsibility, security and good governance.

The service drew academic and non-academic staff, students and other members of the Chapel community.