Provide social services to alleviate poverty UNILAG VC tells churches

THE Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola has charged the Nigerian Christian faith to provide social services like education, healthcare, vocational training, help to alleviate poverty and provide opportunities for economic empowerment, which can reduce frustration and unrest.

Delivering the lecture at the annual Apostles of Peace International Awards at Archbishop Vinning Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja, Lagos, Ogunsola charged the Church to do more in area of youth engagement, advocate for justice and fairness, “By speaking out against corruption, inequality, and human rights abuses, advocate for policies and practices that promote justice and fairness, addressing some of the root causes of conflict.”

Ogunsola, who spoke on the theme: “Peace in Nigeria,” charged: “The Church must be more youth-centered, seek to understand them so we can engage them in positive activities such as sports, arts, and community service, to reduce the likelihood of them being drawn into violent activities.

“They must also engage in economic empowerment initiatives: Supporting entrepreneurship and providing micro-loans or business training, Set up vocational centres or partner with established ones, help individuals start small businesses, creating jobs -reduce economic frustrations that can lead to unrest.

Ogunsola said, “Churches can run campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of peace, tolerance, and coexistence, helping to shift public attitudes and reduce prejudice, promote interfaith dialogue: especially in troubled areas to reduce religious tensions, build mutual respect and foster understanding and cooperation between different religious communities by organizing interfaith dialogues, joint community projects, and peace-building workshops.

National President, Apostles of Peace International, Engr. Paul Duro Ajisafe, said “Our objectives are clear: to foster dialogue, encourage understanding, and build bridges where there are walls.”

Ajisafe explained, “The Apostles of Peace International is a tapestry woven with threads of compassion, service, and unwavering faith. We have built and provided community water sources and supplies as social amenities to elevate the hygiene status in educational institutions, seminary, correctional homes and communities that are cut off from such essential supplies."

 we have built and managed food and home needs banks to orphanages, offered medical assistance to communities, provided economic empowerment programs through the Siyanbola Aderinola Oladapo Economic Empowerment Foundation (SAOEEF), and spread the Gospel with a fervor that is matched only by our dedication to the cause of peace. 

He added, “Our interventions have touched the lives of many, from the innocent children in nursery classes to the seasoned minds in tertiary institutions. We have extended our hands to the needy, comforted the afflicted, and stood as a bulwark against the tides of discord and strife.

“From our inception, we have committed ourselves to a mission that transcends the ordinary. Our Humanitarian, Evangelical, and Philanthropic (H.E.P) activities are driven by a governance philosophy rooted in our Christ-centered Five-Way Test. This test is not just a set of principles but a code of character that ensures our actions are just, our motives pure, and our impact profound. The Five Way Test: i) Will it glorify God? ii) Is it Christlike? iii) Will it bring peace to the body of Christ? iv) Will it contribute to the upliftment of the Church? v) Will it bring peace to the next Man? 

A former governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, MD/CEO of Aero Contractors, Capt Ado Sanusi and Group CEO, Blue Star Group, Chief Obi Okafor bagged peace awards from the AoPI.