Bishop Stephen Fagbemi, the Bishop of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Owo Diocese, has urged President Bola Tinubu to address Nigeria’s economic and security crises to ease the suffering of its citizens.
Speaking during the third session of the 14th Synod at St. Stephen’s Church in Ipele, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Bishop Fagbemi expressed grave concerns over the worsening living conditions in Nigeria. The Synod, themed “Walking in the Light of His Word: Recipe for Spiritual Growth,” highlighted the dire impact of rising inflation and economic instability on everyday life.
The Bishop emphasized that Nigeria has become increasingly difficult to live in, with many citizens either fleeing the country or struggling with severe economic hardships. He pointed out that the recent removal of the petroleum subsidy and currency devaluation have exacerbated inflation and driven up the cost of living, making it nearly impossible for many to afford basic necessities.
Bishop Fagbemi called on President Tinubu to urgently implement measures to alleviate the economic strain, including providing incentives, creating jobs, and pursuing policies to mitigate the hardships faced by Nigerians. He also urged the Federal Government to diversify the economy to address high unemployment rates and improve job prospects for graduates.
In addition, the Bishop appealed to the state governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to reconsider the cancellation of the controversial Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) by the state High Court. He argued that reestablishing these areas would bring governance closer to the people and provide much-needed hope and joy to the state’s residents.
