Ondo Anglicans urge careful handling of nation’s diversity

• Pirisola seeks action on refineries, graft, unemployment

As the nation prepares to usher in a new administration at different levels of government on May 29, the political leaders have been tasked to manage carefully and fairly the diversity of the country such that no section will feel neglected in the interest of peace, survival of democracy and national development.

Essentially, appointments into offices should be done in a way that gives every part of the county a sense of belonging, which is an antidote to agitations.

The Anglican Diocese On The Coast, Ondo State gave the advice at the First Session of its 10th Synod held at the Cathedral Church of Ebenezer, Ilutitun in Okitipupa Local Government Area last weekend.

The Diocesan, the Rt. Rev’d Oluseyi Pirisola, in his charge, thanked God for keeping the nation united and peaceful in the face of happenings that could have torn its fabrics into pieces. He urged
relevant authorities to address the rapidly falling value of the naira that has made the prices of goods and services to go beyond the reach of most Nigerians.

The Synod lamented the resurgence of cruel killing of innocent citizens after the general elections, urging security agencies to work harder to tackle the menace.

The Anglicans called for revival of the nation’s refineries for optimal production, revival of agriculture and agro-allied companies as well as provision enabling environment for businesses to thrive so as to create employment opportunities for the people.

They commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for removal of railway and electricity generation, distribution and transmission from the Exclusive Legislative list thus allowing the state government to build and operate these amenities. The state governments were advised to quickly take advantage of the change of this policy to develop their own areas.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was admonished to study the complaints against the conduct of the 2023 general elections with a view to improving upon it in future elections for transparency and peace in the nation’s democratic process, just as the Federal
Government was tasked to do everything within its power to avert constant strike in the universities.

The Synod themed ‘The God who Hears, Cares and Intervenes’ was attended by eminent citizens, including Obagberume of Igbodigo, Oba Ebunoluwa Aiyeku; Halu of Ode Aye Kindgom, Oba Williams Akinlade; Majuwa of Morubodo Kingdom, Oba Ernest Idepefo; Gen. Olu Bajowa (rtd) represented by Chief Olu Akinbo; Prof Monone Omosule and Dr. (Mrs) Omosule of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife; Senator Boluwaji Kunlere (Chancellor) and Price Fioye Bajowa, former secretary to Ondo State government.

Others are Bishop of the Diocese of Ile Oluji, the Rt. Rev’d Abel Ajibodu; Bishop of Idoani Diocese, Rt. Rev’d Oludare Agara; Vice Chairman, Okitipupa Local Government, Chief Ola Iwaeni; Mr Duro Olatunji, former Chairman of Briscoe Motors and former Chancellor, Barrister Timothy Akinyeye.

To alleviate the negative impacts of unemployment in the socio-economic life of the citizens, especially the youth, the government was advised to give priority attention to the problem, just as it urged job seekers to acquire 21st-century skills that can easily fetch them gainful employment.

Diocese On The Coast lamented high level of corruption and suggested that the menace be tackled through reformation of public administration and public finance management and strengthening the role of auditing agencies; creation of pathways that would give citizens relevant tools and social empowerment skills and opportunities to engage and participate in governance; provision of incentives for the general population to boldly report cases of corruption; intentional and adequate funding and strengthening of the bodies that prosecute corruption cases, EFCC and ICPC; and promotion of transparency and access to information.

The church urged the Federal Government to end the epileptic power supply in the country which has forced many companies to relocate to neighbouring countries.

Ondo State government was commended for laudable projects executed across the state, noting the establishment of the Amotekun Corps for safety of life and property and the Okitipupa-Igodan Bye Pass for improved transportation system within Ondo South axis.

The delegates also praised the government for payment of salaries and pensions up to date, urging that the same attention be given to gratuities. The church, however, decried payment of salary in instalments by the government.

As the state prepares to elect a new governor in 2024, the Synod appealed that the campaigns should be issue-based, devoid of calumny and character assassination and the election proper should be violent-free.

The delegates decried continued darkness in Ondo South comprising Okitipupa, Irele, Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government areas due to disconnection from the national grid since 2014 and called for the intervention of the state government and other stakeholders to save the economy and socio-economic life of the affected places.

The state government was advised to put pressure on the Federal Government to fix failed roads, including the Orita-Ilado to Gbagada Bridge, to reduce the economic wastage that farmers suffer on account of the bad condition of the roads.