Anglican bishop cautions FG against ‘lavish spending’

L-R The Rev’d Canon Samuel Omotoyosi, Ipaja Zonal chaplain, Guest of Honour, Honour, Barr. (Mrs) Omotola Rotimi, former director of Lagos State Office of Defender, Mrs Iyabo Daramola, wife of the Diocesan chaplain, Rt. Revd. Dr James Olusola Odedeji, brigade Patron and the diocesan chaplain, The Revd Canon Bode Daramola at the 23rd Annual camp of Boys & Girls Brigade of the diocese of Lagos West, held at lpaja on Tuesday.
The Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, Revd. Dr. James Odedeji has called on the Federal Government to prioritise economic reforms that directly address the growing poverty levels in Nigeria.
Odedeji said this amid growing public debates on national spending priorities, particularly following recent reports of monetary awards to athletes, including the D’Tigress and Super Falcons, who recently won trophies in the Women’s AfroBasket and Women’s African Cup of Nations, respectively.
The clergy made the appeal while speaking at the opening ceremony of the 23rd annual holiday camp of the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades of the Diocese, held at the Caroline Adefiola Adebiyi Women Development Centre, Ipaja, Lagos, on Tuesday.
While acknowledging the importance of recognising national contributors, including athletes who bring honour to the country, the Bishop cautioned against extravagant gestures that are disconnected from the economic hardship facing millions of Nigerians.

“In the face of the alarming poverty rate in our nation, the amount involved can be diverted to initiatives that uplift the lives of the people.
“We must appreciate our heroes, but such gestures should be modest and in line with the current economic realities,” he said.
The Diocese’s annual holiday camp, which runs from 5 to 7 August, has over 1,000 young people from across parishes in the Diocese attending, under the theme, “Be a Beacon of Light”.
The camp, designed to instill Christian values, discipline, and leadership skills in young members of the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades, will feature a mix of activities including Bible study, spiritual exposition, physical drills, campfire sessions, and a digital Bible quiz, powered by the tech-savvy youths within the Diocese. Related News FG gets $25.35m Kuwait loan to tackle Kaduna out-of-school crisis Heavy rains threaten rice production – Ebonyi farmers Lawan hails winner of global English competition, Nafisa Abdullah
Chaplain of the Brigades, the Revd Canon Bode Daramola, described the camp as a critical investment in the next generation of leaders and Christian witnesses from the Diocese.
“Our core mandate as Brigades is to advance the kingdom of Christ, not only through preaching but by being examples in our communities,” he said.
“When your lifestyle reflects Christ, people are moved to honour your God.”
He encouraged young people to go beyond religious routines and embrace a life of service, humility, and impact.
The camp also includes mentorship sessions, vocational skills demonstrations, and team-building exercises aimed at fostering unity and purpose amongst young people.
Bishop Odedeji, while commending the organisers, volunteers, and parents for their continued investment in the moral and spiritual development of young people, charged participants to imbibe valuable lessons from the camp.

“When you engage in fruit-bearing lifestyle, people are bound to respect your God and honor your God. Everything is not about the pulpit, it’s about how you interact with the community.”
The Bishop was joined at the official opening ceremony by the Diocesan brigade chaplain, his wife, Iyabo, other zonal chaplains across the Diocese, the diocesan head of media, Mr Tunji Oguntuase and other special guests, including a former director of the Lagos state Office of Public Defender, Mrs Omotola Rotimi.

Odedeji said this amid growing public debates on national spending priorities, particularly following recent reports of monetary awards to athletes, including the D’Tigress and Super Falcons, who recently won trophies in the Women’s AfroBasket and Women’s African Cup of Nations, respectively.
The clergy made the appeal while speaking at the opening ceremony of the 23rd annual holiday camp of the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades of the Diocese, held at the Caroline Adefiola Adebiyi Women Development Centre, Ipaja, Lagos, on Tuesday.
While acknowledging the importance of recognising national contributors, including athletes who bring honour to the country, the Bishop cautioned against extravagant gestures that are disconnected from the economic hardship facing millions of Nigerians.

“In the face of the alarming poverty rate in our nation, the amount involved can be diverted to initiatives that uplift the lives of the people.
“We must appreciate our heroes, but such gestures should be modest and in line with the current economic realities,” he said.
The Diocese’s annual holiday camp, which runs from 5 to 7 August, has over 1,000 young people from across parishes in the Diocese attending, under the theme, “Be a Beacon of Light”.
The camp, designed to instill Christian values, discipline, and leadership skills in young members of the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades, will feature a mix of activities including Bible study, spiritual exposition, physical drills, campfire sessions, and a digital Bible quiz, powered by the tech-savvy youths within the Diocese. Related News FG gets $25.35m Kuwait loan to tackle Kaduna out-of-school crisis Heavy rains threaten rice production – Ebonyi farmers Lawan hails winner of global English competition, Nafisa Abdullah
Chaplain of the Brigades, the Revd Canon Bode Daramola, described the camp as a critical investment in the next generation of leaders and Christian witnesses from the Diocese.
“Our core mandate as Brigades is to advance the kingdom of Christ, not only through preaching but by being examples in our communities,” he said.
“When your lifestyle reflects Christ, people are moved to honour your God.”
He encouraged young people to go beyond religious routines and embrace a life of service, humility, and impact.
The camp also includes mentorship sessions, vocational skills demonstrations, and team-building exercises aimed at fostering unity and purpose amongst young people.
Bishop Odedeji, while commending the organisers, volunteers, and parents for their continued investment in the moral and spiritual development of young people, charged participants to imbibe valuable lessons from the camp.

“When you engage in fruit-bearing lifestyle, people are bound to respect your God and honor your God. Everything is not about the pulpit, it’s about how you interact with the community.”
The Bishop was joined at the official opening ceremony by the Diocesan brigade chaplain, his wife, Iyabo, other zonal chaplains across the Diocese, the diocesan head of media, Mr Tunji Oguntuase and other special guests, including a former director of the Lagos state Office of Public Defender, Mrs Omotola Rotimi.

The clergy made the appeal while speaking at the opening ceremony of the 23rd annual holiday camp of the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades of the Diocese, held at the Caroline Adefiola Adebiyi Women Development Centre, Ipaja, Lagos, on Tuesday.
While acknowledging the importance of recognising national contributors, including athletes who bring honour to the country, the Bishop cautioned against extravagant gestures that are disconnected from the economic hardship facing millions of Nigerians.

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“In the face of the alarming poverty rate in our nation, the amount involved can be diverted to initiatives that uplift the lives of the people.
“We must appreciate our heroes, but such gestures should be modest and in line with the current economic realities,” he said.
The Diocese’s annual holiday camp, which runs from 5 to 7 August, has over 1,000 young people from across parishes in the Diocese attending, under the theme, “Be a Beacon of Light”.
The camp, designed to instill Christian values, discipline, and leadership skills in young members of the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades, will feature a mix of activities including Bible study, spiritual exposition, physical drills, campfire sessions, and a digital Bible quiz, powered by the tech-savvy youths within the Diocese. Related News FG gets $25.35m Kuwait loan to tackle Kaduna out-of-school crisis Heavy rains threaten rice production – Ebonyi farmers Lawan hails winner of global English competition, Nafisa Abdullah
Chaplain of the Brigades, the Revd Canon Bode Daramola, described the camp as a critical investment in the next generation of leaders and Christian witnesses from the Diocese.
“Our core mandate as Brigades is to advance the kingdom of Christ, not only through preaching but by being examples in our communities,” he said.
“When your lifestyle reflects Christ, people are moved to honour your God.”
He encouraged young people to go beyond religious routines and embrace a life of service, humility, and impact.
The camp also includes mentorship sessions, vocational skills demonstrations, and team-building exercises aimed at fostering unity and purpose amongst young people.
Bishop Odedeji, while commending the organisers, volunteers, and parents for their continued investment in the moral and spiritual development of young people, charged participants to imbibe valuable lessons from the camp.

“When you engage in fruit-bearing lifestyle, people are bound to respect your God and honor your God. Everything is not about the pulpit, it’s about how you interact with the community.”
The Bishop was joined at the official opening ceremony by the Diocesan brigade chaplain, his wife, Iyabo, other zonal chaplains across the Diocese, the diocesan head of media, Mr Tunji Oguntuase and other special guests, including a former director of the Lagos state Office of Public Defender, Mrs Omotola Rotimi.

While acknowledging the importance of recognising national contributors, including athletes who bring honour to the country, the Bishop cautioned against extravagant gestures that are disconnected from the economic hardship facing millions of Nigerians.

“In the face of the alarming poverty rate in our nation, the amount involved can be diverted to initiatives that uplift the lives of the people.
“We must appreciate our heroes, but such gestures should be modest and in line with the current economic realities,” he said.
The Diocese’s annual holiday camp, which runs from 5 to 7 August, has over 1,000 young people from across parishes in the Diocese attending, under the theme, “Be a Beacon of Light”.
The camp, designed to instill Christian values, discipline, and leadership skills in young members of the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades, will feature a mix of activities including Bible study, spiritual exposition, physical drills, campfire sessions, and a digital Bible quiz, powered by the tech-savvy youths within the Diocese. Related News FG gets $25.35m Kuwait loan to tackle Kaduna out-of-school crisis Heavy rains threaten rice production – Ebonyi farmers Lawan hails winner of global English competition, Nafisa Abdullah
Chaplain of the Brigades, the Revd Canon Bode Daramola, described the camp as a critical investment in the next generation of leaders and Christian witnesses from the Diocese.
“Our core mandate as Brigades is to advance the kingdom of Christ, not only through preaching but by being examples in our communities,” he said.
“When your lifestyle reflects Christ, people are moved to honour your God.”
He encouraged young people to go beyond religious routines and embrace a life of service, humility, and impact.
The camp also includes mentorship sessions, vocational skills demonstrations, and team-building exercises aimed at fostering unity and purpose amongst young people.
Bishop Odedeji, while commending the organisers, volunteers, and parents for their continued investment in the moral and spiritual development of young people, charged participants to imbibe valuable lessons from the camp.

“When you engage in fruit-bearing lifestyle, people are bound to respect your God and honor your God. Everything is not about the pulpit, it’s about how you interact with the community.”
The Bishop was joined at the official opening ceremony by the Diocesan brigade chaplain, his wife, Iyabo, other zonal chaplains across the Diocese, the diocesan head of media, Mr Tunji Oguntuase and other special guests, including a former director of the Lagos state Office of Public Defender, Mrs Omotola Rotimi.

“In the face of the alarming poverty rate in our nation, the amount involved can be diverted to initiatives that uplift the lives of the people.
“We must appreciate our heroes, but such gestures should be modest and in line with the current economic realities,” he said.
The Diocese’s annual holiday camp, which runs from 5 to 7 August, has over 1,000 young people from across parishes in the Diocese attending, under the theme, “Be a Beacon of Light”.
The camp, designed to instill Christian values, discipline, and leadership skills in young members of the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades, will feature a mix of activities including Bible study, spiritual exposition, physical drills, campfire sessions, and a digital Bible quiz, powered by the tech-savvy youths within the Diocese. Related News FG gets $25.35m Kuwait loan to tackle Kaduna out-of-school crisis Heavy rains threaten rice production – Ebonyi farmers Lawan hails winner of global English competition, Nafisa Abdullah
Chaplain of the Brigades, the Revd Canon Bode Daramola, described the camp as a critical investment in the next generation of leaders and Christian witnesses from the Diocese.
“Our core mandate as Brigades is to advance the kingdom of Christ, not only through preaching but by being examples in our communities,” he said.
“When your lifestyle reflects Christ, people are moved to honour your God.”
He encouraged young people to go beyond religious routines and embrace a life of service, humility, and impact.
The camp also includes mentorship sessions, vocational skills demonstrations, and team-building exercises aimed at fostering unity and purpose amongst young people.
Bishop Odedeji, while commending the organisers, volunteers, and parents for their continued investment in the moral and spiritual development of young people, charged participants to imbibe valuable lessons from the camp.

“When you engage in fruit-bearing lifestyle, people are bound to respect your God and honor your God. Everything is not about the pulpit, it’s about how you interact with the community.”
The Bishop was joined at the official opening ceremony by the Diocesan brigade chaplain, his wife, Iyabo, other zonal chaplains across the Diocese, the diocesan head of media, Mr Tunji Oguntuase and other special guests, including a former director of the Lagos state Office of Public Defender, Mrs Omotola Rotimi.

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“We must appreciate our heroes, but such gestures should be modest and in line with the current economic realities,” he said.
The Diocese’s annual holiday camp, which runs from 5 to 7 August, has over 1,000 young people from across parishes in the Diocese attending, under the theme, “Be a Beacon of Light”.
The camp, designed to instill Christian values, discipline, and leadership skills in young members of the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades, will feature a mix of activities including Bible study, spiritual exposition, physical drills, campfire sessions, and a digital Bible quiz, powered by the tech-savvy youths within the Diocese. Related News FG gets $25.35m Kuwait loan to tackle Kaduna out-of-school crisis Heavy rains threaten rice production – Ebonyi farmers Lawan hails winner of global English competition, Nafisa Abdullah
Chaplain of the Brigades, the Revd Canon Bode Daramola, described the camp as a critical investment in the next generation of leaders and Christian witnesses from the Diocese.
“Our core mandate as Brigades is to advance the kingdom of Christ, not only through preaching but by being examples in our communities,” he said.
“When your lifestyle reflects Christ, people are moved to honour your God.”
He encouraged young people to go beyond religious routines and embrace a life of service, humility, and impact.
The camp also includes mentorship sessions, vocational skills demonstrations, and team-building exercises aimed at fostering unity and purpose amongst young people.
Bishop Odedeji, while commending the organisers, volunteers, and parents for their continued investment in the moral and spiritual development of young people, charged participants to imbibe valuable lessons from the camp.

“When you engage in fruit-bearing lifestyle, people are bound to respect your God and honor your God. Everything is not about the pulpit, it’s about how you interact with the community.”
The Bishop was joined at the official opening ceremony by the Diocesan brigade chaplain, his wife, Iyabo, other zonal chaplains across the Diocese, the diocesan head of media, Mr Tunji Oguntuase and other special guests, including a former director of the Lagos state Office of Public Defender, Mrs Omotola Rotimi.

The Diocese’s annual holiday camp, which runs from 5 to 7 August, has over 1,000 young people from across parishes in the Diocese attending, under the theme, “Be a Beacon of Light”.
The camp, designed to instill Christian values, discipline, and leadership skills in young members of the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades, will feature a mix of activities including Bible study, spiritual exposition, physical drills, campfire sessions, and a digital Bible quiz, powered by the tech-savvy youths within the Diocese. Related News FG gets $25.35m Kuwait loan to tackle Kaduna out-of-school crisis Heavy rains threaten rice production – Ebonyi farmers Lawan hails winner of global English competition, Nafisa Abdullah
Chaplain of the Brigades, the Revd Canon Bode Daramola, described the camp as a critical investment in the next generation of leaders and Christian witnesses from the Diocese.
“Our core mandate as Brigades is to advance the kingdom of Christ, not only through preaching but by being examples in our communities,” he said.
“When your lifestyle reflects Christ, people are moved to honour your God.”
He encouraged young people to go beyond religious routines and embrace a life of service, humility, and impact.
The camp also includes mentorship sessions, vocational skills demonstrations, and team-building exercises aimed at fostering unity and purpose amongst young people.
Bishop Odedeji, while commending the organisers, volunteers, and parents for their continued investment in the moral and spiritual development of young people, charged participants to imbibe valuable lessons from the camp.

“When you engage in fruit-bearing lifestyle, people are bound to respect your God and honor your God. Everything is not about the pulpit, it’s about how you interact with the community.”
The Bishop was joined at the official opening ceremony by the Diocesan brigade chaplain, his wife, Iyabo, other zonal chaplains across the Diocese, the diocesan head of media, Mr Tunji Oguntuase and other special guests, including a former director of the Lagos state Office of Public Defender, Mrs Omotola Rotimi.

The camp, designed to instill Christian values, discipline, and leadership skills in young members of the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades, will feature a mix of activities including Bible study, spiritual exposition, physical drills, campfire sessions, and a digital Bible quiz, powered by the tech-savvy youths within the Diocese. Related News FG gets $25.35m Kuwait loan to tackle Kaduna out-of-school crisis Heavy rains threaten rice production – Ebonyi farmers Lawan hails winner of global English competition, Nafisa Abdullah
Chaplain of the Brigades, the Revd Canon Bode Daramola, described the camp as a critical investment in the next generation of leaders and Christian witnesses from the Diocese.
“Our core mandate as Brigades is to advance the kingdom of Christ, not only through preaching but by being examples in our communities,” he said.
“When your lifestyle reflects Christ, people are moved to honour your God.”
He encouraged young people to go beyond religious routines and embrace a life of service, humility, and impact.
The camp also includes mentorship sessions, vocational skills demonstrations, and team-building exercises aimed at fostering unity and purpose amongst young people.
Bishop Odedeji, while commending the organisers, volunteers, and parents for their continued investment in the moral and spiritual development of young people, charged participants to imbibe valuable lessons from the camp.

“When you engage in fruit-bearing lifestyle, people are bound to respect your God and honor your God. Everything is not about the pulpit, it’s about how you interact with the community.”
The Bishop was joined at the official opening ceremony by the Diocesan brigade chaplain, his wife, Iyabo, other zonal chaplains across the Diocese, the diocesan head of media, Mr Tunji Oguntuase and other special guests, including a former director of the Lagos state Office of Public Defender, Mrs Omotola Rotimi.

Chaplain of the Brigades, the Revd Canon Bode Daramola, described the camp as a critical investment in the next generation of leaders and Christian witnesses from the Diocese.
“Our core mandate as Brigades is to advance the kingdom of Christ, not only through preaching but by being examples in our communities,” he said.
“When your lifestyle reflects Christ, people are moved to honour your God.”
He encouraged young people to go beyond religious routines and embrace a life of service, humility, and impact.
The camp also includes mentorship sessions, vocational skills demonstrations, and team-building exercises aimed at fostering unity and purpose amongst young people.
Bishop Odedeji, while commending the organisers, volunteers, and parents for their continued investment in the moral and spiritual development of young people, charged participants to imbibe valuable lessons from the camp.

“When you engage in fruit-bearing lifestyle, people are bound to respect your God and honor your God. Everything is not about the pulpit, it’s about how you interact with the community.”
The Bishop was joined at the official opening ceremony by the Diocesan brigade chaplain, his wife, Iyabo, other zonal chaplains across the Diocese, the diocesan head of media, Mr Tunji Oguntuase and other special guests, including a former director of the Lagos state Office of Public Defender, Mrs Omotola Rotimi.

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“Our core mandate as Brigades is to advance the kingdom of Christ, not only through preaching but by being examples in our communities,” he said.
“When your lifestyle reflects Christ, people are moved to honour your God.”
He encouraged young people to go beyond religious routines and embrace a life of service, humility, and impact.
The camp also includes mentorship sessions, vocational skills demonstrations, and team-building exercises aimed at fostering unity and purpose amongst young people.
Bishop Odedeji, while commending the organisers, volunteers, and parents for their continued investment in the moral and spiritual development of young people, charged participants to imbibe valuable lessons from the camp.

“When you engage in fruit-bearing lifestyle, people are bound to respect your God and honor your God. Everything is not about the pulpit, it’s about how you interact with the community.”
The Bishop was joined at the official opening ceremony by the Diocesan brigade chaplain, his wife, Iyabo, other zonal chaplains across the Diocese, the diocesan head of media, Mr Tunji Oguntuase and other special guests, including a former director of the Lagos state Office of Public Defender, Mrs Omotola Rotimi.

“When your lifestyle reflects Christ, people are moved to honour your God.”
He encouraged young people to go beyond religious routines and embrace a life of service, humility, and impact.
The camp also includes mentorship sessions, vocational skills demonstrations, and team-building exercises aimed at fostering unity and purpose amongst young people.
Bishop Odedeji, while commending the organisers, volunteers, and parents for their continued investment in the moral and spiritual development of young people, charged participants to imbibe valuable lessons from the camp.

“When you engage in fruit-bearing lifestyle, people are bound to respect your God and honor your God. Everything is not about the pulpit, it’s about how you interact with the community.”
The Bishop was joined at the official opening ceremony by the Diocesan brigade chaplain, his wife, Iyabo, other zonal chaplains across the Diocese, the diocesan head of media, Mr Tunji Oguntuase and other special guests, including a former director of the Lagos state Office of Public Defender, Mrs Omotola Rotimi.

He encouraged young people to go beyond religious routines and embrace a life of service, humility, and impact.
The camp also includes mentorship sessions, vocational skills demonstrations, and team-building exercises aimed at fostering unity and purpose amongst young people.
Bishop Odedeji, while commending the organisers, volunteers, and parents for their continued investment in the moral and spiritual development of young people, charged participants to imbibe valuable lessons from the camp.

“When you engage in fruit-bearing lifestyle, people are bound to respect your God and honor your God. Everything is not about the pulpit, it’s about how you interact with the community.”
The Bishop was joined at the official opening ceremony by the Diocesan brigade chaplain, his wife, Iyabo, other zonal chaplains across the Diocese, the diocesan head of media, Mr Tunji Oguntuase and other special guests, including a former director of the Lagos state Office of Public Defender, Mrs Omotola Rotimi.

The camp also includes mentorship sessions, vocational skills demonstrations, and team-building exercises aimed at fostering unity and purpose amongst young people.
Bishop Odedeji, while commending the organisers, volunteers, and parents for their continued investment in the moral and spiritual development of young people, charged participants to imbibe valuable lessons from the camp.

“When you engage in fruit-bearing lifestyle, people are bound to respect your God and honor your God. Everything is not about the pulpit, it’s about how you interact with the community.”
The Bishop was joined at the official opening ceremony by the Diocesan brigade chaplain, his wife, Iyabo, other zonal chaplains across the Diocese, the diocesan head of media, Mr Tunji Oguntuase and other special guests, including a former director of the Lagos state Office of Public Defender, Mrs Omotola Rotimi.

Bishop Odedeji, while commending the organisers, volunteers, and parents for their continued investment in the moral and spiritual development of young people, charged participants to imbibe valuable lessons from the camp.

“When you engage in fruit-bearing lifestyle, people are bound to respect your God and honor your God. Everything is not about the pulpit, it’s about how you interact with the community.”
The Bishop was joined at the official opening ceremony by the Diocesan brigade chaplain, his wife, Iyabo, other zonal chaplains across the Diocese, the diocesan head of media, Mr Tunji Oguntuase and other special guests, including a former director of the Lagos state Office of Public Defender, Mrs Omotola Rotimi.

“When you engage in fruit-bearing lifestyle, people are bound to respect your God and honor your God. Everything is not about the pulpit, it’s about how you interact with the community.”
The Bishop was joined at the official opening ceremony by the Diocesan brigade chaplain, his wife, Iyabo, other zonal chaplains across the Diocese, the diocesan head of media, Mr Tunji Oguntuase and other special guests, including a former director of the Lagos state Office of Public Defender, Mrs Omotola Rotimi.

The Bishop was joined at the official opening ceremony by the Diocesan brigade chaplain, his wife, Iyabo, other zonal chaplains across the Diocese, the diocesan head of media, Mr Tunji Oguntuase and other special guests, including a former director of the Lagos state Office of Public Defender, Mrs Omotola Rotimi.

Adekunle, a fellow of Data and Solutions Journalism, has over four years experience with competences in data journalism and investigations.
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