Stop spreading fake news, Akinlade tells Nigerians

Nigerians have been advised to stop promoting negative reports about the country. Rather, they should talk about things that could unite the country.

Bishop of Ife Diocese, Rt. Rev. Olubunmi Akinlade, who gave the admonition while delivering his presidential address at the second Session of the 10th Synod of Ife Diocese, held at the Cathedral Church of St. Philip, Ayetoro, Ile-Ife in Osun State, said the whole population is now a carrier of news, especially negative news, without realising that spreading it can never be the solution.

He decried cases of kidnappings in the country, noting that, “Fulanisation, Ruga, herders, and xenophobia are words that have entered into the communal lexicon.” According to him, kidnapping has become a national dilemma and silence is the preferred answer of Nigerian leaders to all national questions confronting the nation.

He said: “The government seems to be overwhelmed by the country’s problems, creating the impression that they have nothing more to offer, even though they have just been elected. So, we are ruler-less, with no visible leadership.”

The Diocesan Bishop added that Nigerians may have reasons not to trust their leaders, but for the sake of the nation, all must work with them. He urged the Christian community to pray that God will be gracious and guide the nation to become a land of peace and prosperity.

The cleric condemned the spate of suicide among students in higher institutions, calling on Church leaders and parents to teach and train their wards not to see suicide as an alternative option to whatever challenges they may be facing.

Speaking on the Synod Theme, “God’s winning formula for marriage: Love and Respect,” the Bishop stressed that men and women are very different, and their needs as they relate to marriage are also different. He explained that God instituted marriage and has given man the Bible that explains the role each party should play in marriage. He said the man should love his wife as Christ loves the Church and the woman should respect her husband as the head of the home.

He said: “Hierarchy in marriage is not male superiority, but male responsibility.

A wife is called to submit to her husband in decision-making, while praying to God that he will make the right decision because of his love for her and God.”

To the husbands, the Bishop advised that they should listen to their wives.