The Deputy Speaker of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has called on the church to work together with the government to rebuild Nigeria into an orderly society.

He said this on Saturday at the West African Theological Seminary’s 30th and 31st convocation in Ipaja, Lagos.

Omo-Agege, who was represented by Mr Festus Eshimolo, was the guest speaker at the convocation with the theme, ‘Global Vision, Global Mission: Agenda for Excellence in Global Leadership through Theological Education.’

 He said, “The state and the church must, of necessity, become partners in the current drive to rid society of every worrisome tendency. On the part of those of us in government, we have accepted that challenge squarely.

“This present administration in the country, through its Next Level Agenda, is committed to putting in place a just, equitable and orderly society, which guarantees the right economic and political environment, including the freedom of worship. More than any other time in our history, our dear and great nation is in dire need of builders who will repair and rebuild the many areas of human errors along the path of pursuing sustainable development.”

He also called on religious groups across the country to preach against violence and corruption.

 “Every religious group, including the West African Theological Seminary, must be strident in teaching and preaching against violence in our land, intolerance, corruption and the tendency to destroy others or pull them down,” he added.

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 The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stated that theological education would help shape good leaders.

Sanwo-Olu, whose speech was read by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs Adetutu Ososanya, said, “Theological education, which is the study and research of religious practices will help immensely in shaping good leaders who will promote world peace and aid the achievement of our global vision and mission.

“On the part of the government, we will continue to provide a conducive environment for the practice of religious beliefs as well as encourage harmonious relationship between different religious faithful.”

The Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria and Chancellor of WATS, His Eminence Dr Samuel Uche, said, “You must pay attention to the structure, order and governance of your churches, ensuring at all times that harmony thrives, which will engender the right environment for spiritual, numerical, financial and infrastructural growth of the body of Christ.”

The Provost of WATS, Pastor Oluwafemi Martins, said, “It is common knowledge that corruption is the biggest challenge confronting both the church and the Nigerian society, and equally the bane of the African continent.

“What we aim to achieve is to create a synergy between spiritual and secular leadership as the paucity of theological education negates church influence on national discourse, and part of the reasons many political leaders fail in government.”