Hardship: Bishop urges wealthy Nigerians to help poor citizens

Worried by the current hardship being experienced by citizens across the country, the Archbishop of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Ifaki Diocese, Most Reverend Oluyemisi Ogunlere has appealed to wealthy Nigerians to grow the spirit of being their brother’s keeper to lighten the burden of the poor who are suffering the suffocating economy.

The cleric who stated this in his homily at the thanksgiving service to mark the 70th birthday of the former Governor of Ekiti State, Chief Segun Oni, at his country home Ifaki Ekiti, yesterday, said that there was a need to pray for God’s intervention in Nigeria.

The Bishop who read from the Gospel of Matthew chapter 6 verses 25-34, in his sermon with the theme: The Heart of Gratitude to God, urged Oni to start counting his blessings to see what God has done for him.

The Archbishop posited that Oni’s lifestyle was akin to that of the Biblical Jacob, who passed through diverse vicissitudes of life and later, became stupendously blessed due to God’s mercy and grace.

“Act of gratitude should continually manifest in all our lives and ways. We must do this by helping the people around us. Look at Nigeria today, things are so hard, so be good to your neighbors. Don’t abandon them at this critical time,” he said.

Addressing the congregation, Oni, flanked by his wife, Mrs Kemi Oni, appreciated the people for their support and prayers. “I want to thank all of you for your solidarity. I feel happy seeing all of you behind me today. You have shown love and I don’t take this for granted. God bless you”.

Other high profile dignitaries at the service are: former Governor Kayode Fayemi, his wife, Bisi Fayemi, Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ekiti State Assembly Speaker, Rt Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Chairman, Nigerian Ports Authority, Senator Dayo Adeyeye, Senator Ayo Arise, Senator Duro Faseyi, Senator Olubunmi Adetumbi, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, traditional rulers, politicians, serving federal lawmakers, former House of Representatives member, Hon Bimbo Daramola, members of the Third Ekiti State House of Assembly, among others.

Meanwhile, former Executive Secretary of the Nigeria University Commission (NUC), Professor Peter Okebukola has urged the government in Nigeria, whether at the local state or federal to adopt and apply what he described as Segun oni education formula if they want to correct the rots in the sector.

Okebukola stated this in his lecture titled: Navigating Nigeria’s Education Landscape: Can the Dry Bone Rise Again? In honour of Chief Segun Oni 70th birthday which took place in Ado Ekiti,

According to the former NUC boss, the Oni formula in education while on the saddle in Ekiti State included School Infrastructure Development, Enhancing Teachers Quality, Good Governance, Universal Access to Education, National Curriculum Reform and Inclusive Education.

He said that all school-age children should be in school and be offered quality education that is ventured to the socio-cultural contest, adding that the ugly part of the high number of out-of-school children should be shed.