The Bishop of Ibadan-North Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Williams Aladekugbe, has charged Nigerians to live a meaningful life to be remembered on earth and rewarded in heaven.
Aladekugbe gave the charge in a sermon he preached on Tuesday during a commendation service in honour of the late Ondo State Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akeredolu died on Dec. 27, 2023, in a German hospital where he was receiving treatment for a protracted illness.
The commendation service was held at All Saints Church, Ibadan.
Akeredolu was a devoted member of the church.
Aladekugbe preached on “The Blessings of Death.”.
Preaching from a Bible passage (John Chapter 11), the cleric urged Christians to determine where they would spend eternity—hell with Satan or heaven with Jesus Christ.
He remarked that death could come at any time.
According to the cleric, death is a blessing for children of God and not the end of life.
“When we die, it is a transition from mortality to immortality.
“Death ends every form of body maintenance and pain; it puts an end to all devastating issues of life.
“Whatever enjoyment we have here is a shadow of the one with Jesus.
“Let’s be consoled that our father and friend have gone to a better place to rest and enjoy after living a fulfilled life on earth,” he said.
Aladekugbe described Akeredolu as courageous, loving, and philanthropic, adding that he positively impacted many people.
“He was a chancellor of the Anglican diocese, a chorister who was always singing praises to God, and a devoted Christian with no deceit.
Aladekugbe also urged governments to urgently intervene in the increasing prices of food and other items.
He also appealed to them to tackle insecurity.
“Let us all use this period of Lent to draw closer to God,” Aladekugbe added.
The Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Mrs. Oluwabamiwo Adeosun, prayed that the legacies of Akeredolu would endure.
She also prayed to God to comfort her family and friends.
NAN reports that Akeredolu will be buried on Feb. 23 in his home town, Owo. (NAN)
