SYNOD NEWS UPDATES
By Sola Solanke
Expectedly, at any forum where health issues are being discussed, one is bound to witness very
attentive, responsive and appreciative audience because of the importance that people attach to
their health and well-being. So it was on Friday 17th of May,2019 when ‘’Health Talk’’ featured as
part of the programmes for the 2nd Session of the 7th Synod of Diocese of Lagos West. The speaker
was Revd. Dr. Benjamin Okere, a medical doctor and one of the priests in the Cathedral.
The presentation which had ‘’Aging gracefully: lifestyle modification’’ as its title, was
premised on what is needed to live meaningful life as one gets older. It was
made easier with the publication of the analysis in the programme of
events for the synod. This initiative assisted the clergies and the synod delegates in the
auditorium to follow through easily. The paper was divided into twelve broad categories for easy
analysis. These include: the changing landscape of aging; personal action plan; aging: change and
adjustment; negativity and old people; beliefs and opinions or myths; stereotypes; prejudice &
discrimination; exercise and nutrition; independence to dependence; he who dies with the most toys
wins; to retire or not to retire and the spiritual dimension. Each of these categories is further sub-
divided into segments to the delight of the congregation.
The highpoint of the presentation by Revd. Dr. Benjamin Okere was the thunderous applause and
the standing ovation accorded him by the congregation. An equally impressed
Bishop Odedeji paid glowing tribute to Revd. Dr. Okere s presentation and
scholarship.
Meanwhile, the question and answer session injected life and comic into an erstwhile
serious event, with the type of comments made by some of the delegates. For instance, a female
delegate admonished men who compare their spouses with girlfriends. As if hired as the advocate
for men, another female delegate rose to challenge women to be alive to their responsibilities at
home by being fashionable and trendy. The next respondent was a male delegate who went
spiritual by urging couples to adopt divine intervention for godly living.
One basic fact that resonates throughout this presentation was the need for men and women to
speak up whenever they have health or socio-economic challenges, rather than keep quiet and die
slowly. The speaker acknowledges that aging is quite challenging, but encourages the aged to enjoy
every day in a God-fearing way. He admonishes the aged not to be disappointed by any unrealised
dream, not to run into debts, but should take good care of their health.
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