SENIOR Pastor of Victory Life Bible Church International, Apostle Lawrence Achudume, has lamented that Nigeria is losing creative entrepreneurs and resourceful individuals to politics, blaming the country’s corrupt political culture for making public office an attractive route to personal wealth rather than service.
Achudume made this observation while delivering a sermon at the thanksgiving service marking the 50th anniversary of the Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
He expressed concern that people who venture into politics and emerge wealthy through questionable means are celebrated instead of being held accountable, adding that such a culture discourages individuals with creative minds and entrepreneurial abilities from pursuing ventures that could contribute to national development.
The senior pastor further argued that Nigeria needed people who could deploy their talents, ideas and creativity to solve problems, build enterprises and become positive role models, rather than a society where political power is regarded as a shortcut to wealth.
Similarly, Achudume decried what he described as the growing distortion of societal values, particularly the celebration of indecent dressing, nakedness and other forms of moral excesses under the guise of entertainment and fashion.
He therefore urged individuals to take responsibility for their choices, resist the pressure to embrace practices that undermine societal values and remain conscious of the need to live purposeful lives.
The cleric also stressed the importance of building a strong relationship with God before the emergence of life’s challenges, observing that difficulties were inevitable in business, marriage, careers, the civil service and other areas of human endeavour.
According to him, people must remain steadfast in their faith during difficult moments rather than abandon their convictions or resort to questionable spiritual alternatives in search of solutions. He cited Daniel 11:32, which speaks of those who know their God being strong and doing exploits.
Meanwhile, the Ogun NUJ Chairman, Wale Olanrewaju, commended Achudume for his consistent support for journalism and his contributions to society, describing him as a social crusader who uses his voice to challenge government and draw attention to issues requiring urgent action.
Olanrewaju noted that Achudume remained a much-loved friend and a delight to journalists, particularly because of his longstanding relationship with the media and readiness to support the profession. He also described him as one of the respected religious leaders whose interventions go beyond the pulpit to address matters of public interest.
The chairman added that the cleric’s commitment to social causes and support for journalism had endeared him to members of the NUJ, making the recognition particularly deserving.
In recognition of his contributions, Achudume was conferred with the Ogun NUJ Golden Jubilee Ambassador Award at the thanksgiving service held as part of activities marking the council’s 50th anniversary.
