‘Create enabling environment for businesses to thrive’

The Bishop of Diocese of Sapele (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev (Dr.) Blessing A. Erfieta has called on politicians and public officeholders to desist from attitudes that tend to neglect the welfare of Nigerian masses.

Erifeta made the call, while presenting his address during the Synod of the Diocese held recently at St. John’s Anglican Church, Orerokpe, Delta State, themed: “The Lord is my Strength and Stronghold”— (A Pointer to the Benefits of God’s Presence) taken from Psalm 46:1; 27:1. Erifeta, who also doubles as president of the synod, urged politicians to turn away from misdeeds that are tantamount to bringing untold hardship on people they are elected to serve.

The cleric, who lamented the high level of poverty and hunger in the land, observed that despite Nigeria’s rich natural resources, agricultural endowments and God’s blessings bestowed upon the country, majority of its citizens are suffering and living in agony.

He tasked politicians and their allies in positions of leadership to speedily initiate programmes and float people-oriented projects towards alleviating the people’s plights. Imploring them to do everything within their powers and provide an enabling environment for Nigerians to carry out their day-to-day businesses and farming activities unhindered, Erifeta called on government agencies at all levels to provide adequate security for lives and properties. He stressed the need to make agricultural machineries, improved seedlings and loan facilities available for farming businesses to flourish among the citizenry.

The Bishop, who decried the present crime rate and insecurity in the country, also condemned corrupt practices that still thrive in the corridors of power. He said it is time to bring activities of killers, bandits, kidnappers and terrorists to an end.

He, however, expressed optimism that if Nigerians would depend on God as their strength and stronghold in times of trouble, He would make things better again. He quoted Psalm 127:1 (KJV), to buttress his point, “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: Except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”

(The Ven. O. Nelson Emebeyo is the Diocese of Sapele Public Relations Officer and Administrative Secretary at the Bishop’s court in Sapele, Delta State)