Rt Rev. Abidemi Shittu, the bishop of the Methodist Church Nigeria in the Diocese of Ado Ekiti, has called for the purposeful development of a more dependable, sustainable, and energy-efficient system for all Nigerians.
The cleric, who said inadequate power supply in the country was currently crippling various aspects of national life, harped on the need for urgent commitment to exploring and developing alternative sources to move the country out of the present situation energy crisis had placed it.
Shittu spoke at Opopogboro, Ado Ekiti on Saturday while presenting the Bishop’s Address and Charge during the third yearly Synod of Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Ado Ekiti where he listed such alternative energy sources to include solar and wind power.
The bishop said, “The inadequate and unreliable power supply is directly hindering our day to day lives, stifling economic growth and impeding national development. Businesses struggle to operate, leading to reduced production and hindering job creation.
Shittu advised that “Nigeria must actively engage in genuine public-private partnerships to attract the necessary investment and promote innovation and technological advancements in the energy sector”.
The bishop also bemoaned the national economy, which he said had continued to face challenges including “persistently high rates of inflation that diminish purchasing power and high rate of unemployment”, adding that “nationwide infrastructural deficits had continued to hinder productivity and increase cost of living and doing business”.
He canvassed urgent accelerated diversification into critical sectors like agriculture, manufacturing and technology, adding that “reducing corruption and significantly improving governance are absolutely essential steps to attract both domestic and foreign direct investments and spur the sustained economic growth necessary to lift our people out of poverty”.
Shittu also urged attention to the education sector and as well the insecurity plaguing Nigeria, saying, “The government must unequivocally prioritise the safety and security of all citizens and work tirelessly and strategically towards finding sustainable, lasting solutions to the multi-faceted security challenges”.
The bishop commended Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji for efforts to transform Ekiti in the last two and half years, particularly his exploits in the power sector including the privatisation move as he canvassed proper supervision of the process.
Shittu sought support for the diocese to complete the ongoing Bishop’s Office building project and purchase of official car for the bishop to facilitate movement for “kingdom advancement”.
The Diocese’ Lay President, Sir Olajide Borode, who acknowledged efforts of the country’s leaders on the challenges of economy and security threats, called on the federal and state governments “not to relent in their efforts to secure the citizens.
“We as good citizens have to play our part by abiding by the laws of the land, giving timely information to the security agents because the issue of security concerns every citizen”.
Borode, who said Christians had a lot to do on the issue of corruption which had been a long-standing menace in the country, also called on the government “to strengthen all the anti-corruption agencies so as to deliver on their mandates”.
The Lay President hailed Ekiti State Governor, Oyebanji, for various infrastructural and developmental projects including the government’s acquisition and clearing of Atinkankan and Igbehin areas of Ado Ekiti, notorious as den of robbers, criminals and other social vices in the state.
The Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, who declared the Synod open, lauded the Methodist Church Nigeria for its spiritual guidance and support for Nigeria, Ekiti State inclusive.
Aribasoye, represented by a lawmaker, Princess Iyabo Fakunle-Okhiemen, canvassed prayers for Oyebanji, saying, “Our governor is doing well, please continue to pray for him. Then, Nigeria as a country, we need serious prayers. ”
The Speaker, who lamented the growing preference of youths for pleasure and social vices including internet fraud and Yahoo Yahoo at the expense of hard work, said, “We need to pray. And as parents, we need to monitor our children. ”
The Provost, College of Postgraduate, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Prof. Abiodun Ojo, in the keynote address, charged leaders both in church and society “to rise above corruption, compromise and self-interest.”
Ojo charged Christians on development, saying, “The church must be a catalyst for change. We must invest in youth empowerment, support the needy and promote social justice to reflect Christ’s live in action.”
