AWKA (Sundiata Post) – Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has urged religious leaders to reclaim their roles as the moral compass of society to protect the nation’s well-being and values.
Soludo made the call on Friday at the ongoing Annual Episcopal Retreat for Bishops and their Wives, hosted by the Diocese of the Niger, Anglican Communion, Anambra State.
The retreat, which had 170 bishops in attendance, commenced on Jan. 7 and would end on Jan. 11.
He decried the moral decay afflicting Nigerian society, especially the youth, driven by a relentless pursuit for wealth without hard work.
According to him, the rise of idolatry which has become a trend in Anambra is worrisome.
“Get-rich-quick mentality has taken root among the youth, a mindset that is fueling insecurity and making kidnapping a lucrative enterprise in Nigeria.
“The ideology of acquiring wealth by any means necessary has become a cancer eating away the fabric of our society.
“This pursuit for wealth, often without regard for its source has led to a moral crisis with young people increasingly turning away from the church and its teachings.
“The youths now head to the bush to join cults and kidnappers for power and money,” he said.
The governor pointed out that many religious institutions had failed to question the origins of wealth donated by their congregants.
He said that Churches should lead by example, by promoting values that prioritised character over wealth and service over self-interest.
“When the church turns a blind eye to the source of donations, it loses its moral authority and becomes part of the problem.
“We need societal redemption and the church leaders have a role to restore the right values and serve as models of integrity and righteousness.
“The future of Nigeria depends on our collective ability to nurture a generation that values integrity over wealth and faith over fortune. As Church leaders, lead the charge for a better Nigeria,”Soludo said.
In his remarks, Most. Rev. Henry Ndukuba, Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion) urged the people to continue to pray for leaders of the Church as well as the prosperity and peace of the country.
Ndukuba also announced the re-election of two Archbishops for its internal Ecclesiastical Provinces – Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, Bishop of Awka Diocese and Most Rev. Isaac Nwaobia, Bishop of Isiala-Ngwa South Diocese, Aba.(NAN)
