Lagos Anglican bishop declares a new beginning for Nigeria at 66

Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos is Rt. Rev. Dr. Ifedola Senasu Gabriel Okupevi, Anglican,His wife Mrs. Modupe Okupevi ( both middle) with other participants during the prayer walk ‘ it’s time for joyful kingdom Experiences,’ held at the Centenary City Eleko.Lagos on 1/10/2026.

The Bishop of Lagos has declared that God will give Nigeria a new beginning as the country marks 66 years of independence, closing a diocesan prayer walk at Centenary City in Ibeju-Lekki.

The Rt. Revd. Dr. Ifedola Senasu Gabriel Okupevi made the declaration on Thursday, 1 October 2026, at the end of the Diocese of Lagos (Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion) Independence Day Prayer Walk. He also said Centenary City would be a city of righteousness and excellence. The walk ran under the theme “It Is Time for Joyful Kingdom Experiences,” taken from Romans 14:17.

The day began with an opening prayer at 7:00 a.m. at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina. Hundreds of members, led by the bishop and Mama Lagos, then moved to Centenary City. Prayers were offered on the entrance road. The procession continued to the city ground with singing and proclamations of peace over Lagos and Nigeria. At the main gate, the Provost led further prayers.

Inside the main hall, the diocese prayed for Nigeria, the 2027 elections, the three arms of government, an end to terrorism and insurgency, and ministries and parastatals. Prayers also covered the Church of Nigeria, the Diocese of Lagos, its archdeaconries and members, as well as homes, marriages, businesses and divine expansion.

The prayer walk ended at about 1:00 p.m. with the anointing of participants with holy oil. Organisers said those present left with joy and renewed hope for the country.

The diocese described the walk as a prophetic observance of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day.