The Archbishop of Ibadan, Methodist Church Nigeria (MCN), Most Rev’d Olugbenga Fafeyinwa, has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently tackle insecurity, economic hardship, social injustice, corruption, religious extremism, and insurgency in Nigeria.
Fafeyinwa made the call during his address at the official opening of the 63rd Annual Synod of the MCN, Ibadan Diocese, themed ‘He Will Rise Again’, held on Friday at MCN, Odo-Ona, Ibadan.
Reflecting on the state of the nation, he said:
“As we think about our beloved country Nigeria, a nation abundantly blessed by God, one cannot help but weep. Our leadership crisis is both profound and complex, and sadly, the followers have not helped the situation.”
However, he expressed hope, saying, “I take solace in God’s providence and capacity to intervene decisively. God never fails, and His promise of redemption remains sure.”
Fafeyinwa lamented the alarming reports of corruption, kidnapping, assassinations, and suicide bombings frequently circulated by the media.
“The political cabal has hijacked the nation’s resources, holding Nigerians to ransom. It forces us to ask if there is any solution in sight, as it seems that the systems that work elsewhere fail in Nigeria,” he said.
He warned the government to be vigilant against individuals attempting to introduce Sharia law to the South-West, stating that such moves could destabilize the region’s peace.
“Let Sharia be practised only where it is welcomed; we must not import crisis into peaceful societies,” he stressed.
Fafeyinwa also urged the government to focus on ensuring national peace, uninterrupted electricity supply, and economic diversification into agriculture, tourism, and solid minerals. He noted that such initiatives would generate employment and reduce the high rate of youth unemployment across the country.
