All Saints Anglican Church, Oshodi, was aglow with celebration and spiritual reflection on Sunday, 12th October 2025, as the congregation marked its Annual State Harvest with the theme “Harvest of Abundant Life.”
The service took a deeply impactful turn when Hon. Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode OMOJ’OMOLO, who attended as Guest Preacher, delivered a compelling sermon titled “Poverty Eradication: Our Collective Mandate Under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Taking his scriptural text from Proverbs 19:17- “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done” Hon. Ogundipe declared that poverty eradication is not just an economic pursuit but a divine responsibility anchored on compassion, accountability, and active citizenship.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing its strategic programmes in digital economy, agriculture, infrastructure, social investment, and youth/women entrepreneurship as “seeds of hope planted for national transformation.” However, he emphasized that government efforts alone are not enough, urging citizens to rise from dependency to productivity.
“God blesses the work of our hands and not the laziness of our hearts. The government has laid the foundation, but it is our responsibility as citizens to build on it,” he said.
Hon. Ogundipe further challenged the Church to become a centre of empowerment, not only in spiritual matters but also in skills acquisition, entrepreneurial guidance, and partnership with government programmes that uplift communities.
Referencing Acts 4:34-35, he remarked, “There were no needy among them because the early church practiced shared responsibility. When the Church rises in empowerment, the nation rises in prosperity.”
He concluded by addressing the mindset dimension of poverty, noting that true poverty begins in the mind before it reflects in the pocket.
“A poor mind cannot manage abundance. Poverty is not only an economic condition but a spiritual battle. Renewed Hope must first begin within us,” he declared.
The Vicar, The Venerable Kelvin Tope-Tapere, praised Hon. Ogundipe for his brilliant articulation and his role as the image-maker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, acknowledging his numerous empowerment initiatives within the constituency.
Also speaking, The Venerable Dr. Siji Kolawole, who anchored the programme, appreciated the guest preacher for his inspiring and action-driven message, commending the State Assembly's proactive policies aimed at enhancing citizen welfare.
The service ended with a solemn prayer session for national transformation, economic renewal, and divine backing for Nigeria’s leaders and citizens in the pursuit of a nation where poverty is replaced by dignity, purpose, and shared prosperity.
The congregation responded with resounding amens as Hon. Ogundipe led prophetic prayers for wisdom, national awakening, and a harvest of abundance in every home and community.
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