Bishop Odedeji’s Thursday visit rekindles hope for spiritual, numerical growth in Ikotun Churches

For many worshippers, the visit represents far more than an administrative exercise. They see it as an opportunity for spiritual renewal, pastoral encouragement and renewed commitment to the Church’s mission, drawing inspiration from the Apostle Paul’s words in Romans 1:11–12

 “For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift… that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”

Chief Joseph Oladipo, one of the pioneer members of the Anglican Church in Ikotun, described the lepiscopal visitation as a defining moment in the life of every parish.

According to him, beyond inspecting the spiritual and administrative health of the churches, the bishop’s visit provides encouragement to clergy and laity while strengthening the bond between the diocesan leadership and the faithful of the Archdeaconry under The Venerable Taiwo Olupitan.

“The bishop also reviews parochial records, evaluates the progress of each parish and often encourages the planting of new churches to expand the reach of the Gospel,” he said.

Created in 2008 from Idimu Archdeaconry, Ikotun Archdeaconry under the spiritual leadership of The Venerable Taiwo Olupitan, comprises of 16 parishes, including St. John’s Anglican Church, Ikotun—the Archdeaconry headquarters; Church of Pentecost, Akesan; Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Ikotun; Emmanuel Anglican Church, Ikotun; Christ Church, Abaranje; Church of the Ascension, Community Road; St. James, Ijagemo; St. Stephen’s, Ijegun; St. Barnabas, Ijeododo; Christ the Saviour, Isheri-Osun; Church of the Resurrection, Fagbile; Church of Messiah, Ijegun, Holy Trinity Customs Bus Stop, Abaranje, among others.

Although several churches have continued to make commendable progress, parishioners acknowledge that others still face challenges in attaining sustained spiritual vitality, membership growth and financial stability.

Among those frequently mentioned is Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Ikotun, where members believe the bishop’s visit presents an opportunity for renewed reflection and fresh missionary direction.

A former parishioner, Mr. Martins Adewale, said the congregation hopes the bishop will lead prayers for revival and offer guidance on strategies that could strengthen evangelism and discipleship in the church.

He likened the expectation to the prayer of King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20:12

 “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”

He also referenced the prayers of Nehemiah before rebuilding Jerusalem and Habakkuk’s plea, “O Lord, revive Your work,” as expressions of hope for renewed spiritual awakening.

Adewale noted that Holy Trinity has benefited from the ministries of successive priests, each contributing uniquely to its development.

He recalled that after its formative years under the able leadership of Layreader Mrs. Susan Ejimogu-Osuzu, the church witnessed remarkable growth under Canon Mike Asomugha, whose dynamic leadership inspired significant spiritual, numerical and financial development within a relatively short period.

He was succeeded by The Venerable Francis Ojo, remembered as a devoted Bible teacher and selfless shepherd whose personal sacrifices helped preserve and consolidate the gains already achieved.

Following his retirement, The Rev. Francis Akinyemi his successor brought renewed emphasis on youth development, discipleship and the music ministry, helping to enrich the worship life of the parish and attract younger worshippers.

The current priest, The Rev. Samuel Ogujobi, has continued to strengthen the church through administrative reforms, spiritual formation and institutional stability while consolidating the foundations laid by his predecessors.

Reflecting on the combined efforts of the clergy over the years, Adewale cited 1 Corinthians 3:6:

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.”

He observed that although each priest had faithfully contributed according to his gifts, many members are of the view that Holy Trinity Ikotun possesses significant untapped potential for numerical and evangelistic growth, particularly because of its strategic location at Ikotun headquarters and the rapid expansion of the city’s population.

Evangelist Mark Onyemaobi shared a similar view, saying that the revitalisation of Holy Trinity would not only strengthen the parish itself but also reinforce neighbouring churches within the archdeaconry and support the diocesan evangelism efforts.

He expressed regret that many Anglicans in the Ikotun area are yet to identify with the church. He added that a stronger Holy Trinity would better advance the Church’s commitment to the Great Commission through more evangelism and discipleship.

Another parishioner, Mr. Femi Shobukola, expressed confidence that Bishop Odedeji’s interactions with clergy and members would provide valuable insight into the challenges confronting the archdeaconry and help shape practical strategies for strengthening emerging congregations.

Over the years, episcopal visitations across the Diocese of Lagos-West have served as important occasions for pastoral oversight, spiritual encouragement, leadership development and greater unity among parishes.

As Bishop Odedeji embarks on this  pastoral engagement in Ikotun Archdeaconry, many worshippers are praying that the visit will become a defining moment of renewal; not only for individual congregations but for the continued expansion of God’s kingdom throughout the rapidly growing Ikotun of  Alimosho Local Government Area the largest LGA in Lagos State