Bishop Nortey urges Nigerians to pray for God-fearing leaders ahead of elections

L-R: Lay President, Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Lagos Central, Bro. (Engr.) Kehinde Lawal; Presbyter, Wesley Circuit’s wife, Sister Salome Oguchi, Bishop of Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Samuel Nortey; Presbyter, The Very Rev. God’swill Uchenna Oguchi and Diocesan Synod Secretary, The Very Rev. (Col.) Adebayo Bamgbose, at the Service of Recognition & Presentation of Induction for The Very Rev. Oguchi as Presbyter/Minister in of Wesley Circuit, Wesley Methodist Church, Ajegunle, Lagos recently

Stanley Ihedigbo

Bishop, Diocese of Lagos Central, Methodist Church Nigeria, Rt. Rev. Dr. Samuel Nortey, has called on Nigerians to continually pray to God to raise good and selfless leaders for the country, especially as future elections approach.

The man of God made the call during a service of recognition and presentation of induction for The Very Rev. Godswill Uchenna Oguchi, as Presbyter/ Minister in charge of Wesley Circuit, Wesley Methodist Church, Ajegunle, Lagos, where he charged political leaders, church ministers, and citizens alike to emulate Jesus Christ, whom he described as the “Good Shepherd.”

Speaking passionately on leadership and national development, the Bishop said Nigeria would become a better nation if leaders were willing to sacrifice personal comfort and interest for the welfare of the people.

“If our political class is ready to lay down their lives for Nigeria, Nigeria will be a better place. We pray that even in the coming elections, God will raise good leaders for us,” he said.

According to him, leaders must not see positions of authority as opportunities to dominate the people, but rather as platforms for service, sacrifice, and guidance.

Drawing his sermon from the Gospel of John Chapter 10, verses 10 and 11, where Jesus described Himself as the Good Shepherd who came to give abundant life, the Bishop stressed that true leadership is rooted in love, humility, and selflessness.

“The good shepherd lays down his life for the flock. Politicians must be ready to sacrifice for Nigeria to become the pride of Africa,” he stated.

He further urged world leaders to pursue peace and put aside political differences in the interest of humanity.

“Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Whatever world leaders do, they should consider peace and the interests of the common man,” he added.

The cleric also congratulated the newly inducted Presbyter, encouraging him to remain faithful, focused, and committed to God’s work.

“God who called you will sustain you. Remain faithful and focused, and the Lord will continue to bless your ministry,” he said.

Addressing members of the church, the Bishop urged them not to be discouraged by changes in leadership, noting that every new leader often faces comparison with predecessors.

He described the situation as the “ghost of past leaders,” explaining that new leaders are usually measured against former ones before people gradually accept them.

“Do not be haunted by the ghost of past leaders. God moves in mysterious ways. What may seem difficult today may eventually become a blessing,” he noted.

The Bishop encouraged Christians to trust God in difficult moments, assuring them that God never abandons His people.

Quoting from Psalm 23, he reminded worshippers that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, provides guidance, protection, and comfort to believers.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,” he declared.

Speaking directly to the newly inducted Presbyter, the Bishop warned against lording authority over members, urging him instead to lead with compassion and righteousness.

“You have not been appointed to lord it over the people. You are called to guide, protect, and feed the flock spiritually,” he said.

He added that church leaders must always be available to comfort members in times of difficulty, pray for them, and lead them in the path of righteousness.

The Bishop also challenged parents, community leaders, and public office holders to become good examples to those under their care.

“As leaders in our homes, communities, churches, and nation, we must become good shepherds to the people God has entrusted into our hands,” he said.

Praying for Nigeria and its citizens, the cleric expressed hope that God would continue to transform the nation and raise leaders who would govern with wisdom, justice, and compassion.

The newly inducted Presbyter, Very Rev. Oguchi, commended the Bishop for his fatherly role, unwavering support, and genuine love throughout his ministerial journey.

He also expressed appreciation to the Bishop’s wife for her encouragement and prayers, while specially acknowledging the support of the Diocesan Lay President, Bro. (Engr.) Kehinde Lawal, and the Synod Secretary, The Very Rev. (Col.) Adebayo Bamgbose, for their guidance and contributions toward the success of the event.

Very Rev. Oguchi further thanked members of his church and his former circuit, Christ Church Circuit, for turning out in large numbers to honour and celebrate with him during the induction ceremony.