Ash Wednesday: Sanwo-Olu calls for Spiritual Renewal, prayer for Nigeria

The Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs has held a solemn Ash Wednesday service to herald the commencement of the Christian Lenten season, with a strong call for spiritual reawakening and national restoration.

The service, themed “Repairing the Broken Altar,” took place at the State House Church, Alausa, Ikeja, bringing together Christian faithful and government officials in prayer and reflection.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr Sam Abube, described Lent as a sacred season of sober reflection, repentance and renewed intimacy with God.

In his remarks, the governor urged Christians to seek divine forgiveness and remain resolute in faith despite prevailing challenges. He encouraged believers to “look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” in all circumstances.

Delivering the exhortation, President Chaplain of the Chapel of Christ the Light, Rev. (Dr.) Dele Ajayi, preached from 1 Kings 18:30, calling for personal and collective spiritual restoration.

He reminded congregants that every individual is born with a divine purpose, declaring that “none of us came to life by the desire of our parents; we came because God has a purpose for us.”

Rev. Ajayi urged believers to “repair their broken altars,” stressing the need for renewed devotion, repentance and spiritual revival. He also noted the rare moment of both major religions in Nigeria observing fasting periods simultaneously, describing it as significant for national unity and intercessory prayer.

According to him, Nigerians must take responsibility for the nation’s future through sustained prayer and faith, while acknowledging that efforts are ongoing to address the country’s socio-economic challenges.

Also present was Bishop Taiwo Ajose, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), who described Ash Wednesday as a pivotal moment in the Christian calendar.

“This is the period we believe we need to pray for our state and our nation,” he said. “We ask God to grant us the grace to rebuild the broken altars of our state and our country.”

Bishop Ajose called on Christians to use the 40-day Lenten season to seek God’s guidance, unity and restoration for Lagos State and Nigeria, expressing confidence that sincere repentance and steadfast devotion would usher in peace, progress and divine blessings.

Special prayers were offered for the President and his family, the Governor and his family, Lagos State and Nigeria.

Ash Wednesday traditionally marks the beginning of Lent in many Christian denominations and is observed with the imposition of ashes on worshippers’ foreheads, symbolising repentance, humility and the transient nature of life.