The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Owo, Revd Stephen Fagbemi, has urged President Bola Tinubu to intensify efforts to address Nigeria’s security challenges and economic hardships, stating that Nigerians are in pain and frustration.
This call was made during his Charge at the third session of the 14th Synod of the Church, held at St. Stephen’s Church, Ipele, in Owo Local Government of Ondo State.
Bishop Fagbemi highlighted the severe impact of the current economic difficulties, noting that the rise in inflation has made life increasingly hard for Nigerians.
He emphasised the urgent need for President Tinubu to address the factors triggering this economic hardship.
The Bishop warned that without immediate and effective measures, Nigeria could witness an uncontrollable rise in crime, with the poor remaining impoverished and the potential extinction of the middle class.
He pointed out that the country’s increasing economic difficulties have driven many to seek better opportunities abroad, often finding themselves in equally challenging situations.
Bishop Fagbemi attributed the acute economic hardship experienced over the past year to the sudden removal of the petroleum subsidy and the devaluation and instability of the foreign exchange rate.
“The resultant effects of these actions are the harsh economic realities that Nigerians face daily. Inflation is almost out of control, and the prices of goods and commodities have risen astronomically.
“It has become hard for people to feed their families. Perhaps only a few wealthy individuals can claim to be comfortable at the moment.”
He urged the Federal Government to step up its commitment to adequately address the growing hunger in the land through the provision of incentives, employment, and policies that ameliorate the plight of the people.
“We urge our government to work harder at diversifying our economy. Already, it is evident that unemployment is very high, as many graduates are walking about without any job or means of livelihood. This makes the future look bleak and hopeless for many,” he said.
He noted that despite the economic quagmire, Nigeria has continued to borrow while “the political class is not undergoing any serious economic adjustment as their monthly take-home pay is humongous, which is a shameless inconsideration of the plight of their electorate.
The cleric noted that the new minimum wage will not solve the current economic problems but will complicate the already weak and complex economy of the country.
He called on the government to embark on price control measures to ensure stability and control inflation.
He pleaded with the Federal Government to intensify efforts on security to tackle the problem of insecurity as a way of ending food insecurity in the country.
He pointed out that “bandits have occupied a great chunk of our farmlands, and people are having difficulties going to farms.”
He also charged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to revisit the issue of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) nullified by the state High Court, describing the development as unfortunate.
The Bishop noted that the creation of the LCDAs would help bring governance closer to the people at the grassroots, noting that the creation had given joy and hope to the people of the state that governance would be brought to their doorsteps.
“We urge the government of Ondo State to revisit the issue and do whatever needs to be done to ensure that the project is not killed. Ondo State needs it.”
Regarding the 14th Synod, Fagbemi said the theme, “Walking In The Light Of His Word: Recipe For Spiritual Growth,” is intended to build on the theme of last year’s Synod.
He emphasised that everyone must ask whether the Word is dwelling in them and whether their lives are patterned after the Word of God.
According to him, “The bane of society in this modern era is the large number of people who prefer to be Christians but are far from a genuine understanding of the word.”
In his message to the Synod, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, congratulated the Diocese for a successful event and encouraged them to be steadfast in their spiritual and religious journey while holding to the chord of God.
The monarch also congratulated the Bishop of the Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Stephen Fagbemi, for his exemplary leadership, not only in the spiritual sphere but also in the national arena.
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