OGUN, Nigeria – The Methodist Church of Nigeria, Diocese of Yewa, has implored President-Elect Bola Tinubu to carefully address the pressing issue of fuel subsidy removal, focusing on the interest of the economically disadvantaged.
The call came in a 10-point communique, released on Sunday, May 21, 2023, following the Diocese’s first synod in Ilaro, themed “Contending for the Faith.”
The document was jointly signed by the Bishop of Yewa, Reverend Charles Ayo Adeniyi, Synod Secretary Rev. Sunday Oluwole Ajayi, and the Lay President, David Kojeku.
The synod attracted delegates from across the church’s extensive network, including Gbogidi, Igbogila, Ayetoro, Ado Odo, Igan-Okoto, and Owode/Owo, among others.
The church extended congratulations to Tinubu, National Assembly members, and Governor Dapo Abiodun for their electoral victories, emphasizing the responsibility of these leaders to govern with divine reverence.
“As a church, the onus is on us to pray for our country to be a better place for all of us to live. At the same time, we have a duty to speak the truth to the authorities and ourselves,” the communique read. It further appealed to political office holders “to rule with the fear of God. Issues relating to the removal of fuel subsidy should be handled with care, and the interest of the poor masses be taken into consideration.”
The Methodist Diocese also commented on the “volatile situation of religious activities in the country,” praising the resilience of devout Christians, particularly those facing hardships “to contend for the Faith.”
It encouraged believers to persevere until the second coming of Jesus Christ.
The communique drew attention to the deplorable condition of roads in and out of Yewaland, a recurring concern for local commuters.
The church urged the state government and officials representing Ogun West to prioritize road construction in the Yewa region.
“Sincerely, the Government should have done more. We plead with the State government and our political office holders representing Ogun West to make road construction in the Yewa axis priority when planning for the next line of action,” the church requested.
Addressing the high unemployment rate, the church called on individuals, corporations, and particularly religious bodies to engage in skill acquisition projects like those undertaken by the Methodist Church at the Conference and Diocesan levels.
This approach, it suggested, would open up employment and business opportunities for citizens.
