THE Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence (Dr) Oliver Ali Aba, has called on all Nigerians to lift the nation in fervent prayers and seek divine intervention as the country grapples with multiple economic and security challenges.
He stressed that as God’s people, Nigerians should keep praying for the resources needed to support one another, their families, and the church.
Aba made this statement on Friday during the 63rd Synod Ceremony of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Ibadan, held in Odo Ona, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The prelate noted that Nigerians must intercede for the church and the nation, requesting God’s intervention.
He stated, “We are living witnesses to the unstable economic climate in Nigeria, which includes a high exchange rate for foreign currencies, a soaring cost of living, widespread corruption, insufficient enthusiasm for business due to high operational costs, inadequate energy supply (including electricity, oil, and gas), insecurity, and a lack of employment opportunities.
“Currently, incidents of kidnapping—largely driven by greed, religious claims, unemployment, and poverty—have taken on new dimensions, with kidnappers targeting vulnerable citizens and the church repeatedly.
“At this time, Nigerians desperately need the intervention of Jesus Christ! Who are the people meant to carry God’s word to them? They are you and I. At this moment, people recognize us as children of God, just as the earliest Christians in Antioch did (Acts 11:26) alongside Lazarus’s two sisters referenced in our theme. The earliest Methodists (John Wesley and his contemporaries) exemplified a life of total submission and obedience to God.
“We witnessed the hardships of 2024 in our nation and around the world. As children of God, let us continue praying for the provisions needed to support one another, our families, and our church. We must lift the church and our nation in prayer for God’s intervention. May God help Nigeria and the Methodist Church Nigeria in Jesus’ name.”
“Addressing the gathering, Archbishop Olugbenga Fafeyiwa of the Ibadan Diocese lamented the high unemployment rate among the youth in the country, asserting that “a nation that neglects and despises its youth is a nation heading for doom,” he added.
He also highlighted the lack of amenities in the country, such as insufficient electricity supply, poor road conditions, and the high cost of education for the average citizen.
Archbishop Fafeyiwa stressed the need for good leadership and governance, praising Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for his various commendable initiatives in the state. He urged the governor to extend his governance efforts to all parts of the state.
Furthermore, he advised all Nigerians to come together to address issues such as insecurity, ethnic tensions, rising petroleum and gas prices, injustice, corruption, religious fanaticism, and insurgency.
He urged government officials to promote peace and stability, ensure a consistent power supply, and explore diversification into agriculture, tourism, and solid minerals. This strategy seeks to generate job opportunities for many unemployed youths in the country.
Reflecting on Nigeria, Archbishop Fafeyiwa expressed sorrow, saying, “As we think about our beloved country, a nation blessed by God in many ways, it is heart-wrenching. Our leadership challenges are significant and complex, and unfortunately, it seems that the followers do not help the situation. However, as I contemplate the words of MHB 898 (stanzas 1, 2 & 4), I find solace in God’s providence and ability to act decisively through those He chooses.
“God never fails, and His promise of divine intervention and redemption will not fail us. The constant stream of information regarding financial corruption, kidnapping, assassination, and suicide bombing is deeply disturbing. A political cabal has seized the country’s resources, holding all Nigerians to ransom.
“One must wonder if a solution is in sight. We have reached our wits’ end, leading many to conclude that ‘what works elsewhere does not work in Nigeria.’ Why? We do not have a reliable electricity supply; the government has largely abdicated its responsibility for providing basic amenities; our roads are in poor condition; our education system is increasingly unaffordable for the average person; and cultism remains a significant issue within our higher education institutions.
“Additionally, there is an alarming rate of high-profile corruption cases. Even at 65, Nigeria struggles to conduct free and fair elections, with what we call ‘free and fair’ marred by irregularities favoring particular candidates. Politics has devolved into a do-or-die affair, characterized by insecurity regarding lives and property.”
“At 65, we are still in search of good leadership and good governance. The police have become ineffective, not for lack of professionalism but as a result of polarization by the sacred cows in power. At 65, there is no hope for the Nigerian youths; they have become the forgotten race, yet they are the future of this country. Let me warn you that a nation that neglects and despises its youths is heading for doom.
“As a nation, we must work together rather than in isolation. We must place our hope in the living God who grants us victory. It is essential to put an end to insecurity, ethnic tensions, rising prices of petroleum and gas products, injustice, corruption, religious fanaticism, and the Boko Haram insurgency.
The government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, should remain vigilant and cautious of those promoting the imposition of sharia law in the Southwestern part of the country. We must be careful not to invite crisis or conflict into a society where peace prevails. Sharia law should be permitted only where it can be accommodated without disrupting social harmony.
Additionally, our government at all levels should prioritize maintaining peace and stability, ensuring a regular and uninterrupted power supply, and diversifying into sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and solid minerals. These initiatives will undoubtedly create jobs for the many unemployed youth in our nation.
The chief launcher of the event, Professor Ayo Arowoju, however, urged Nigerians to be upright, sincere, and truthful in all their endeavors. He emphasized that all Nigerians must contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.”
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