Posted by Niyi Odebode, Abeokuta on
The Bishop of Lagos Province (Anglican Communion), Rev. Adebola Ademowo, on Friday, berated Nigerian leaders, saying they were not only arrogant, but self-centred.
The Bishop of Lagos Province (Anglican Communion), Rev. Adebola Ademowo, on Friday, berated Nigerian leaders, saying they were not only arrogant, but self-centred.
The cleric gave this assessment in his sermon at the 90th birthday service of the wife of the late Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Hannah, at Saint Saviour Church, Ikenne, Ogun State.
Ademowo, who represented the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Dr. Peter Akinola, extolled the virtues of Mrs. Awolowo, and her husband, particularly their humility.
He noted that humility is essential virtue that many Nigerian leaders of today lack, adding that notable Nigerians are egocentric. The cleric said, 'When a Nigerian is still on the floor; when a Nigerian is still struggling, he is very humble.
'The moment he becomes a notable somebody, he becomes egocentric. He becomes self-centred." At the service attended by the Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and his Ondo State counterpart, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, Ademowo advised political office holders to touch the lives of their people positively.
According to him, Nigerian leaders believe that 'Once you get up there, you should relax and people should be serving you." He stated that leadership entailed service and humility.
Ademowo further said, 'Lots and lots of things are happening in this country and are giving us a lot of concern, a lot of headache, a lot of heartache."
He called for an increase in pensioners' entitlements, adding that the Federal Government should give urgent attention to 'erosion in the East and the ocean surge in Lagos."
In his goodwill message at the service, Daniel described HID as a 'remarkable woman of valour, a witness to several interesting passages in Nigeria's chequered political history."
The governor said the commendation given his administration by Mrs. Awolowo had been encouraging him to do more for the people. The governor's wife, Olufunke, read a special citation and a poem for HID at the service attended by dignitaries including, the wife of the Lagos State Governor, Chief Oluremi Tinubu; Pa Emmanuel Alayande; Chief G.O.K. Ajayi (SAN); Dr. Ayo Otegbeye; Afenifere chieftains , Senator Femi Okunrounmu; Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Sir Olaniwun Ajayi.
SATURDAY PUNCH, November 26, 2005