Archbishop advises’ Nigeria men to exhibit integrity, strength, unwavering faith in God 

Stanley Ihedigbo

Archbishop, Methodist Church Nigeria, Archdiocese of Lagos Mainland, His Grace, The Most Rev. Dr.Obafemi Adeleye, has advised Nigeria men to exhibit virtues such as integrity, strength, and unwavering faith in God especially at this critical time in the country.

Speaking at the 5th Archdiocesan Men’s Fellowship of Lagos Mainland Archdiocese Retreat and thanksgiving, tagged; ” Oh men, arise and build”, the man of God, said with faith in God, men will rebuild the metaphorical walls in their lives, families, churches, communities and Nigeria as a nation.

In his words; “We should be prepared for obstacles, criticisms, and challenges that may arise, as seen in the figures of Sanballat and Tobiah in the word of God in Nehemiah chapter 2. Let us seek divine strength and courage to overcome all opposition and work together with open hearts, offering the necessary support and encouragement to one another as a people.

“When Nehemiah received the distressing news about the broken wall of Jerusalem and burned gates, his sorrow was visible, even as the King’s cupbearer. Yet, by faith, he took bold, risky steps, he wept, mourned, fasted, prayed, and sought the King’s favour and approval to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah’s leadership, spirit, and confidence in God’s hand encouraged the people to unite in the task of rebuilding. As men in Nigeria, we should arise and rebuild this country in our little ways.

“As men, we are similarly called to be leaders like Nehemiah, not only in our families but also in our churches and society. Nigeria will be great and the people will rejoice,” he admonished.

The keynote speaker, Bro. Jimi Tokoya encourages the Men Fellowship members to be more committed to the worship of God and seeing His goodness and favour upon their lives and the nation, of Nigeria.

In his remarks, Coordinator, of Archdiocesan Men’s Fellowship of Lagos Mainland Archdiocese, Very Rev. Olubisi Orobiyi, explained that Nehemiah is one of the books dedicated to a building campaign.

“Nehemiah was a Jewish layman and a high government official in the court of the King of Persia. He had an intense love for his homeland even though he had never seen it. He learned through relatives of the need to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, and God laid on his heart that he was to lead in the effort. Nigeria men should emulate the leaders in Jerusalem as they collectively accepted to rise and build the walls, the task of rebuilding can’t be done in isolation, it is a collective task. Rebuilding Nigeria is a collective task and everybody should join hands to rebuild the walls of Nigeria,” he appealed.

President, Archdiocesan Men’s Fellowship of Lagos Mainland Archdiocese, Bro. Yemi Dada commended the Archbishop for his support and commitment towards the Fellowship.

He also commended the Archdiocesan ministers, his executive and members of the Fellowship for their commitment to the growth of the group.