By: Precious Oluwole

The Bishop of Akure Diocese and Archbishop, Ondo Ecclesiastical Province, The Most Revd Simeon Oluwole Borokini has urged Nigerians to pray to God to choose a man after His own heart as the next President of Nigeria.

He disclosed this while rolling out activities lined up to mark the 40th anniversary of the Diocese and also, the 10th Consecration of The Most Revd Simeon Oluwole Borokini as the Bishop of Akure Diocese, to the press men in his office in Alagbaka.

“We should not expect perfection, we only need prayers, man will continually be man. If you say you want Christian, how many of them behave like one. Nigeian needs somebody that has the interest the masses at heart, someone who has the fear of God”.

While encouraging Christians to take part in politics, Revd Borokini noted that “We must be very careful, it is our duty to say the truth especially at this time”.

“My advise to President Buhari is that he should do something urgently to resolve the issue of fuel and the redesigned of naira notes, especially as election is coming near. So that international communities won’t read meaning to it, there are speculations, people are reading meaning, like they have a hidden agenda for the election not to take place, that’s why he should exonerate himself to make sure that he solves the problem of fuel and the redesigned naira notes, so that the new notes can go round the people who go to the bank can receive any amount they want because this is not the time for something like this to be happening, especially when election is coming”.

“In advanced countries, they give long period, I don’t see the reason why the date shouldn’t be extended, even in United Kingdom, United States of America, they still allow people to spend the old notes. Nigeria is a big country, for our economy not to be paralysed, there should be extensionfor the old notes, they should co-exist, I don’t think they should start rejecting the old notes, even a year is not too long, they should allow both the new and old notes to co-exist”.

Speaking on the celebrations, Revd Simeon Oluwole Borokini stated that over forty years, the Diocese had grown in leaps and bounds.

He added that The Diocese had established Schools- Bishop Falope Memorial Daycare Nursery and Primary School, Akure and St. Matthias Anglican High School, Akure which is the first private Secondary School in both Ondo and Ekiti States.

“The School had produced men and women that can hold their head up in the society today. There are some Archdeaconries and Parishes that had also established Schools that are also doing well. When the Diocese was created in 1983, there were few Anglican Churches. Today, we can boast of more than 100 Churches within the Diocese and there are many more to be planted because our evangelistic zeal is divine”.

“We also have ministry for the Youths. One of our Youths is the current President of Anglican Youth Fellowship in Ondo Province, comprising of Ondo and Ekiti States”.

“The second event we are celebrating is the 10h consecration anniversary of our Bishop and Archbishop. By divine providence, he was elected, confirmed and consecrated Bishop ten years ago. The consecration anniversary is on St Matthias Day, 24″ February, 2013. We are marking the day with a Holy Communion service, being the eve of the general election in the country”.

“We have invited eminent personalities to join our celebrations. One of our friends and eminent Nigerian, Chief Arthur Eze had been invited to unveil the Anniversary logo and Statue, the Bishop Theologian of our Church and the Bishop of Ilesa Diocese, Rt. Revd Prof Dapo Asaju will give the anniversary lecture. Eminent personalities will be given awards our youths shall be celebrated, evangelical and medical outreaches hed been planned across the Diocese, our Choirs will also minister, some widows shall be empowered”.

“Some Parishes and Archdeaconries had also indicated that they want some structures and sanctuaries dedicated to coincide with the celebrations and the grand finale will be the thanksgiving at our Cathedral on 26″ March, 2023 which coincidentaly is the 10″anniversary of our enthronement as the Bishop of this See”.

“It is our fortieth anniversary and we are trusting that in the next ten years when the Diocese will be fifty, our joy will be more than this and our country would have been out of the woods”.

Revd Borokini appreciated the Chairman of the planning committee, Mr. Joseph Soji Agbelusi and his team for putting all the programs together within a short time of their appointment.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the planning Committee, Mr Joseph Soji Agbelusi appreciated the bishop for giving the committee the opportunity to plan the event.

He stressed that the committee was set up during the 2022 synod, adding that the committee would cooperate together to have a memorable and unforgettable celebrations.

The activities lined up are as follows: Sunday, 12th of February, 2023, Unveiling and Launching of anniversary Logo/Statue. Friday, 24th of February, 2023, 10″ consecration anniversary (mark with Holy communion service) and Confimation Service. Thursday, 2nd of March, 2023, Holy communion services with planting of Commemorative trees. Wednesday, 15th to Friday, 17th, March, 2023, Jesus Carnival. Saturday, 18th of March, 2023, Widows Empowerment Program and Final of Choir Competition. Monday, 20th of March to Wednesday, 22nd of March, 2023, Festival of Free Medical Outreach.

Other activities are : Thursday, 23rd of March, 2023, Anniversary Lecture and Final of football competition. Friday, 24th of March, 2023, Awards/Anniversary dinner. Sunday, 26th of March, 2023, Thanksgiving Service
of 10th consecration/40 Inauguration Anniversary.