The 30th Synod of the Lagos Mainland Diocese of Methodist Church Nigeria has ended at the Hoare’s Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Sabo, Yaba, with a call on government at all levels to address insecurity and other social vices troubling the country.
In a seven-point communiqué jointly signed by the Diocesan Bishop, the Most Rev. Dr. Obafemi Adeleye and the Diocesan Lay President, Sir Olusola Adu, the Synod “expressed grave concern over the recent escalation in kidnappings, student abductions, the activities of unknown gunmen, and the prevailing insecurity across the nation. While acknowledging the sacrifices of the military and police forces, there’s a pressing need for a comprehensive review of the country’s security framework, leveraging modern technology to combat these threats. We urge the government to prioritize national security, strengthen law enforcement, support community-based peace initiatives such as state policing, and protect lives and property.
“The Synod welcomed the enactment of the Student Loan Act, emphasizing investment in youth education, but stressed the importance of transparent implementation devoid of bureaucratic or political obstacles. Furthermore, while acknowledging the proposal to set the minimum university entry age at 18, the focus should be on policies ensuring student quality and readiness rather than rigid age restrictions,” it said.
The Synod, while commending the government for reviving “projects like the coastal road from Lagos to Calabar and the Express Road from Badagry to Sokoto. The Synod emphasized the importance of the Fourth Mainland Bridge project and the need for sustainable power supply to support business activities, especially for SMEs and MSMEs.”
It expressed concern over the removal of fuel subsidies amid economic challenges, and called for a swift transition from temporary relief measures to creating a conducive business environment.
“Acknowledging the complexities of currency devaluation, the Synod stressed the importance of transparent management to safeguard the economy and stabilize the forex market. The Synod expressed anticipation for a new minimum wage that would reflect the rising cost of living, essential for promoting worker welfare and easing financial burdens on families.
Recognizing infrastructure strides under the Sanwo-Olu administration in Lagos State, particularly the red and blue light rail lines, the Synod emphasized the necessity of a systematic maintenance culture to sustain these developments.”
Advocating diversification of the economy, “the Synod underscored the importance of prioritizing solid minerals and agriculture to create employment opportunities, enhance food security, and boost the nation’s GDP,” said the communiqué.