Emmanuel Adekunle, the bishop of Egba Anglican Communion, has reiterated the importance of government at all levels to partner the church to achieve more national development.

At a news conference to commemorate the 180th celebration of the coming of Christian missionaries to Abeokuta, Mr Adekunle noted that government should be supported with the responsibility of development.

“Both government and Christianity should partner for national development,” Mr Adekunle said. “The church should not fold its arms and depend solely on the government will not help our development.”

The religious leader explained that the growth of Christianity in Nigeria significantly impacted culture, education, politics and many other facets of social life, including the development of national languages in Nigeria.

“Christianity and government are concerned with the total development of man and society.

“It is expedient that both of them should partner to achieve success,” he maintained.

Mr Adekunle stated that the advent of Christianity in Àbeokuta in 1843 had brought civilisation and development to Nigeria.

“The history of Christianity in Nigeria dates back to the 15th Century when the Portuguese brought Christianity but were unable to plant the religion due to their involvement in the slave trade.

“However, freed slaves captured from Abeokuta after reuniting with their loved ones by 1838 sent letters to the Queen in England, requesting for missionaries to be sent to Nigeria as there was a need for new converts who received the gospel to be baptised.

“It was this that brought Rev. Henry Townsend and his team from Freetown to Badagry and Abeokuta. They were widely received by the Commander of Egba Army and his people on January 4, 1843; that is 180 years ago,” he said.

The cleric also charged the church to live above board and live out what they preach, saying, “Christianity preaches mortality”. 

(NAN)