By Editor
The recently completed Second Synod of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Ado Ekiti was held at Methodist Church Nigeria, Basiri Circuit Ado Ekiti amidst deep reflection on the state of the nation.
Held between April 25th and 30th 2024 under the spiritual guidance of The Rt. Rev Jeremiah Abidemi M. Shittu, Bishop of Diocese of Ado Ekiti and his able lieutenant, Lay President of the Diocese, Sir Chief Olajide Borode, KJW, the theme of the annual spiritual rebirth was “ARISE AND BUILD”- (Nehemiah 2: 18b).
The discussion which was described as “apt at this critical period in view of the decadence, licentiousness and profligacy prevalent in the body of Christ in particular and Nigeria at large”
In a five-paragraphs communique, the synod stated that;
“This is a call to action by every child of God and Nigerian citizens by acknowledging the imperative message embedded in the theme “Arise and Build”.
“We owe God and humanity the tasks of recommitting ourselves to actively engage in building a strong, vibrant, and inclusive Christian community and nation”
Also, goodwill messages were received and delivered by eminent guests.
Among the speeches delivered were the well articulated speeches of the Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr Oliver Ali Aba, the Diocesan Bishop and Lay President’s Addresses.
The synod was declared open by Chief Mrs Olukemi Moradeyo, the guest of honour while the Keynote Address was delivered by Sir Sunday Omoniyi Adegoke, Archdiocesan Lay President of Igbobini Archdiocese.
Delegates from the Diocese participated in the Eucharistic Services.
After fervent prayers, reflections, and discussions on various issues of paramount importance from spirituality to the state of the Nation, the synod issued as follows:
“Strengthening Spiritual Foundations: the roles of faith based organizations in building a virile and vibrant church and nation cannot be treated with levity. Accordingly, spiritual leaders should emphasise the importance of deepening our faith and spiritual roots to effectively carry out the mandate of the Great Commission through prayers, worship, and the study of God’s Word in truth and holiness in order to build a prosperous nation.
“Good citizenship: in order to arise and build families, communities and the nation through good citizenship, deliberate efforts should be made to foster unity, reconciliation and healing in view of the ethnicity and divisions that have served as the cog in the wheel of progress of our nationhood.
In a related development, synod emphasized the importance of promoting unity, peace, and reconciliation within our church and society through commitment to healing divisions, addressing conflicts, and working towards a more just and inclusive society.
Society: Nehemiah’s commitment to social justice and compassion for the oppressed inspire the people to advocate for righteousness which exalts a nation.
“In response to the prevailing social injustices and inequalities in our nation, we urge our leaders and the led to actively advocate for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights.”
Delegates of Ado-Ekiti diocece and invited guests were charged to come over to Macedonia to fast-track the growth of the two-year old Diocese of Ado Ekiti spiritually, numerically and infrastructure wise based on faith and God’s assurance of “with God all things are possible”. Accordingly, synod encourages everyone to “Rise and Build” the new Diocese like Nehemiah without complaining and grumbling but with hearts of generosity.
Other crucial issues of interest to the synod were also addressed.
State of the Nation
Synod notes with grave concern the difficulties confronting the citizens as a result of the removal of the much abused fuel subsidy and appeals to Governments at all levels to put concrete measures in place to address the unpalatable effects of the removal on the citizens. In the same token, conscious efforts should be made to address the perennial fuel scarcity in Ekiti State and other states of the federation while calling for a holistic approach to the turn-around maintenance (TAM) or otherwise of the country’s refineries to engender uninterrupted fuel supply.
Accordingly, synod calls for collaboration with countries that has made significant strides in renewable energy.
On the Bloodletting in the Country,
Synod condemns in strong terms the unwarranted attacks and killings of members of our armed forces on peace keeping missions as well as innocent citizens in various states especially the gruesome murder of two prominent Ekiti obas describing it as heinous and barbaric and calls for caution while advocating citizens’ collaboration to end the spate of killings in Nigeria. Synod lauds the efforts of Ekiti State Government in tackling clashes between herders and farmers which has led to wanton killings and destructions of properties thus calling on governments at all levels to put in place necessary machinery to stop the ugly trend that could lead to grave consequences of food insufficiency and loss of able-bodied men and women.
Insecurity
Synod observes that insecurity in the land has not abated despite incessant appeals to perpetrators as well as Governments’ efforts.
The tri-partite problems of banditry, terrorism and kidnapping are worrisome.
These have worsened the security situation in the country. Synod therefore calls on the Federal Government not to relent in its efforts to secure the citizens. As part of efforts needed to arrest the growing insecurity, synod calls on stakeholders to consider the burning issue of state police and be decisive on it. Security agencies are enjoined to acquaint themselves with modern techniques of dealing with these vices.
On the Economy , Synod notes the challenges hindering the growth of the nation’s economy which include erratic power supply, corruption, inconsistent government regulations etc. and appeals to Government to sustain the current economic reforms that could lead to concrete and visible deliverable in the areas of information and communication technology, agriculture and manufacturing. Synod hopes that it is through these that the unprecedented inflation and poverty levels in the country could be obviated.
On Corruption, Synod notes with concern that corruption has been a long standing menace in Nigeria. Synod therefore calls on the anti graft agencies to deviate from media trials of allegations of corrupt practices by being diligent in the prosecution of corrupt individuals to serve as deterrent to others. To strengthen these agencies, synod calls for institutional reforms, public awareness and international cooperation.
Other areas are Youth Engagement and Education
“Understanding that the youth are the future of the church and the nation, synod appeals to all concerned to invest in their spiritual development, education, and leadership training by creating employment opportunities for them to be actively engaged in profitable ventures and decision-making processes. Synod calls on the youth to be part of the nation building by shunning acts that are capable of damaging the image of the country. Synod appeals to Government to secure our educational institutions as well as restructure our schools curriculum to accommodate digital accessibility, vocational training and civic education.’
Clamour for Restructuring,
Synod is of the opinion that the agitations for the restructuring of Nigeria as a true federalism should be carefully considered on their merits and in the overall national interests to fast-track the economic prosperity of the nation.
New Living Wage
Synod appeals to the Federal Government and the organized labour to hasten the process of the negotiation of the new living wage for workers. This according to synod, will translate into improved standard of living of the workers through the stemming of the inflation rate. It will also have multiplier effects on the nation’s economy. As an addition to the foregoing, synod lauds the prompt payment of workers’ salaries and allowances as well as pensioners allowances by the Ekiti State Government and urges that this be sustained.
Ado Ekiti Ecumenical Church
Synod appeals to the Ekiti State Government to, as a matter of obligation, provide the land for the proposed Ado Ekiti Ecumenical Church as requested by Ekiti State CAN to serve as a central place of worship for Christians from all denominations in the capital city of Ekiti State.
Synod commended the Ekiti State Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for his intensive efforts in road construction and agriculture while emphasizing that these would stimulate economic growth, mobility and improve agricultural productivity.
Synod encourages the State Government to implement energy efficiency measures, upgrade existing infrastructure and promote public- private partnership to drive the Administration’s mantra of shared prosperity.
In Conclusion, Synod stresses the needs for the Clergy, Laity and every Nigerian to continually pray fervently for the peace and unity of the country to enable every stakeholder to arise and build the new Diocese of Ado Ekiti and take it to greater and enviable height in the comity of churches and a prosperous nation.
The communique was signed by;
SIR CHIEF OLAJIDE BORODE, KJW, THE VERY REV’D MICHEAL OLUGBEMILAY PRESIDENT SYNOD SECRETARY
THE RIGHT REV. JEREMIAH A.M. SHITTU THE DIOCESAN
