Urges improvement in nation’s economy, job creation

The Archbishop of Ondo Ecclesiastical Province and Bishop of Akure Anglican Diocese, Most Rev’d Simeon Borokini, at the weekend, said that the current economic challenges facing Nigerians are adversely impacting churches.

The situation, he said, had led to a decline in financial support from members. Borokini stressed that, unlike other institutions, churches do not receive support from the government, hence the heavy reliance on members’ contributions.

The Archbishop stated this while delivering his charge at the first session of the 15th Diocesan Synod, with the theme “Trusting The God of Abundant Grace,” held at St. James’ Anglican Church, Oda, in Akure South Local Council of Ondo State.

The bishop, who urged the government to improve the economic situation of the country, said that the harsh economic realities had left many church members struggling to meet their financial obligations, including support to churches.

He said: “When you are talking about the church, you cannot exclude the government because the composition of the government is the people, and it affects the members. I’m not talking about Anglican members alone, but Christians all over.

“The church doesn’t get any subvention from the government; it is the little collections from the members, and if the members don’t have enough, the church will receive little. So, it is affecting the church adversely.”

“That is why we are saying that the economic situation of the country should be improved. If there are industries that enable gainful employment, I think the economy of the people will be improved, and more people will donate to the church.”

However, the Archbishop, who hailed President Bola Tinubu on the strides achieved with the fight against insecurity, as well as the administration’s efforts on infrastructure in the country, tasked the President on employment generation for youths in the country.

Borokini, while urging Tinubu to further intensify the campaign against banditry and kidnappings, maintained that the President deserved commendation following his assessment and performance of his administration in the last two years.