Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide, popularly known as Odidi Omo, has called on religious institutions to take a leading role in restoring Nigeria’s moral values, describing the decline in moral standards as one of the major challenges facing the country.
Odidi Omo, the serving member representing Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and Oyo South senatorial candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), made the call while speaking at the 14th Annual Conference in Sessions of the Champion & Overcomer Baptist Associations in Ibadan, themed “By His Spirit.”
Speaking during his informal remarks, Odidi Omo said he was convinced that Nigeria cannot restore its moral values without the active contribution of religious institutions.
He stressed that churches and other faith-based institutions have an important responsibility in shaping character, strengthening families and raising responsible citizens.
According to him, one of the major challenges confronting Nigeria today is that moral values have been neglected, making their restoration an urgent responsibility for everyone.
Religious Institutions as Partners in Nation Building
Odidi Omo urged religious institutions to see themselves as important partners in building a better society.
He noted that the role of the church goes beyond religious activities, pointing to its contributions to education, moral formation, community development and responsible citizenship.
He also called for stronger cooperation between religious institutions and those in public service, stressing that the challenges affecting Nigerians do not recognise political or religious differences.
A Call for Responsible Leadership
Speaking on leadership, Odidi Omo said public office should be about service, accountability, compassion and genuine concern for the people.
He appealed to religious leaders and members of the community to pray for those entrusted with public responsibilities, asking for leaders with the wisdom, integrity and courage to do what is right.
The lawmaker also spoke personally about his journey from being a computer scientist to public service, saying he sees his involvement in politics as an opportunity to serve his people.
He appealed to the Baptist community to see him as “your son” and to continue to support him with their prayers.
Building Across Religious Differences
Odidi Omo also spoke about his personal family background, noting that he has a Christian mother and a Muslim father.
He said his experience has strengthened his appreciation of religious diversity and his commitment to ensuring that his service cuts across religious and denominational boundaries.
His message was ultimately a call for faith, moral responsibility and inclusive leadership to work together in addressing the challenges facing Nigeria.
The conference provided a platform for Odidi Omo to engage with the Baptist community on issues extending beyond politics, with a focus on the shared responsibility of religious institutions, leaders and citizens in building a more responsible and united society.
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