The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, on Sunday admonished religious leaders in Nigeria to play positive roles that would help advance the country.

Obasa said this when he spoke at a service marking the 100th anniversary of the St. Peter’s African Church, Remo Iperu, Ogun state.

The Speaker noted that Nigeria currently requires and intellectual contributions from religious leaders for a desired change in the country’s polity and as a guide to the future generation.

“I therefore urge our Christian leaders not to relent in their efforts to cater for the spiritual needs of the Christian fold under their care and also use various platforms to encourage our people to support our various initiatives as government, that will make life easier for everybody,” Obasa admonished.

Obasa, who recently ended his tenure as the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures, noted that Christianity, like every other religion, provides the enabling platform for the people’s spiritual edification and social needs as individual members of the society.

He further noted the role of the christianity as a unifier of people and motivation to them irrespective of their race, culture, and education.

“You will all agree with me that religion generally serves as a veritable tool for social integration, and harmonious co-existence in the society, and remains one of the cords of unity that knit us together, especially in a multi religious society like ours in Nigeria.

“As such, in maintaining peace and social order, such basic principles and religious virtues as enunciated in the Holy Books must be imbued and placed into practical demonstrations.

“As we constantly show harmony and unity of intent in our service and dedication to our creator in our different places of adoration, I encourage you all to emulate the unity we frequently exhibit in the larger society in our place of worship,” Obasa urged.

The Speaker congratulated the church for reaching the feat of 100 years of service to God and humanity saying this is evident in what Jesus said to Peter in Matthew 16:18: “Upon this rock I will build my church; (and this is the best part) and the gates of hell will not overpower it.”