The Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos and Bishop of Remo Diocese of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Michael Fape, stressed the significance of having morally upright leaders in Nigeria.
He pinpointed selfish leadership as the underlying factor behind the country’s issues and noted how citizens are adversely affected when leaders prioritize their own interests over the nation’s.
Fape was the guest speaker at the 33rd convocation of West Africa Theological Seminary (WATS).
Delivering a lecture: “Pastoral Leadership and Development of a National Ethos”, he said: “It naturally follows that until pastoral leaders are operating in an environment diametrically opposed to holiness and godliness, it will be difficult to conclude that a leader possesses the virtues and character that could have positive bearing for the emergence of national ethos.
‘’In other words, the ability of a pastoral leader to live godly will be seen when in a dilemma existentially.
“The big problem confronting our nation is the selfishness of political leaders, and there is no greater challenge a nation can face than when its citizens are self-centered. When men only pursue personal interest at the expense of the wellbeing of the national life.”
Governing Council Chair, Emmanuel Oluwayemi, thanked those present for attending the program.
Provost, Dauda Gava, said 98 students graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies, Theology; Master of Divinity; Master of Arts in Bibilical Studies; Intercultural Studies; Christian Leadership, and Christian Education.
A group of individuals has successfully completed their studies and received a Postgraduate Diploma in Theology and a Doctor of Ministry.
These individuals have been welcomed into WATS Alumni. WATS, which has been providing education for pastors, missionaries, and church leaders since 1989, offers a degree program in partnership with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Moreover, it is accredited by the Association for Christian Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA).
