Hardship: Don’t abandon your neighbours, Bishop tells affluent Nigerians

The Archbishop of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Ifaki Diocese, Ekiti State, Most Reverend Oluyemisi Ogunlere, has appealed to wealthy and privileged Nigerians to extend helping hands to people around them amidst the excruciating economic situations in the country.

The cleric, who expressed worry over the current hardship being experienced by the citizens, urged leaders across all levels to grow the spirit of being their brother’s keeper to lighten the burden of the poor who are suffering in the land.

Bishop Ogunlere spoke on Thursday during his homily at the Thanksgiving service held to mark the 70th birthday anniversary of the former governor of Ekiti State, Chief Segun Oni, at the Methodist Church Ifaki-Ekiti, Ido/Osi Local Government Area of the state.

He reiterated the need to seek God’s intervention in the situation confronting the nation, adding that leaders across the board should humble themselves in seeking solutions to the plights of the people.

The cleric, who read from the Gospel of Matthew chapter 6 verses 25-34, in his sermon with the theme ‘The Heart of Gratitude to God’, urged the former governor to appreciate God for the blessings he had received in the last 70 years.

The Archbishop posited that Oni’s lifestyle was akin to that of the Biblical Jacob, who passed through diverse vicissitudes of life and later became stupendously blessed due to God’s mercy and grace.

According to him, “Acts of gratitude should continually manifest in all our lives and ways. We must do this by helping the people around us. Look at Nigeria today; things are so hard, so be good to your neighbours. Don’t abandon them at this critical time.”

Addressing the congregation, Oni, flanked by his wife, Kemi, appreciated the people for their support and prayers towards the successful celebration of his 70th birthday anniversary.

“I want to thank all of you for your solidarity. I feel happy seeing all of you behind me today. You have shown love, and I don’t take this for granted. God bless you,” he said.

Dignitaries at the service were former Governor Kayode Fayemi, his wife, Bisi; Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Ekiti State Assembly Speaker, Adeoye Aribasoye; Chairman, Nigerian Ports Authority, Senator Dayo Adeyeye; Senator Ayo Arise; Senator Duro Faseyi; Senator Olubunmi Adetumbi; Senator Babafemi Ojudu; traditional rulers; politicians; serving federal lawmakers; former House of Representatives member, Hon Bimbo Daramola; members of the Third Ekiti State House of Assembly, among others.

Meanwhile, former Executive Secretary of the Nigeria University Commission (NUC), Professor Peter Okebukola, has urged the government in Nigeria, whether at the local, state, or federal level, to adopt and apply what he described as the Segun Oni education formula if they want to correct the rot in the sector.

Okebukola stated this in his lecture titled: Navigating Nigeria’s Education Landscape: Can the Dry Bone Rise Again? In honour of the former governor’s 70th birthday celebration.

According to the former NUC boss, the Oni formula in education while on the saddle in Ekiti State included school infrastructure development, enhancing teacher quality, good governance, universal access to education, national curriculum reform, and inclusive education.

He said that all school-age children should be in school and be offered quality education that is ventured to the socio-cultural contest, adding that the ugly part of the high number of out-of-school children should be shed.

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