We must develop better economic model —Bishop Kuponu

Bishop of Ijebu North Diocese, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Right Reverend (Dr) Solomon Gbetogo Kuponu, has called for a better economic model capable of addressing the current realities of the nation.

He stated this while delivering the bishop’s charge at the third session of the fourth synod of the Diocese of Ijebu North last Friday, at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Oru-Ijebu, Ogun State, with the theme, If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and repent of their sins, I will heal their land.

According to him, “It is time we change our economic model as it is obvious that the old model in which the country relied solely on revenue from crude oil has crashed right before our eyes. Nevertheless, it is good that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari, has realised this and, consequently, it has begun the painful process of salvaging the nation’s economy by embarking on radical diversification.

“Hence, the Federal Government must team up with the private sector players in its quest to diversify the economy. The country must borrow a leaf from the experiences of countries which are today self-reliant by taking tough decisions that would eventually translate into robust health for our nation spiritually, academically, socially, politically and economically.”

In his goodwill message, the Oloru of Oru-Ijebu Kingdom, Oba (Dr) Abdul-Rasaq Olufemi Adebanjo, who was present with his wife, Olori Kudirat, congratulated the diocese on the occasion of the 2017 synod, and called for greater commitment to Christian virtues in the home and the community.

He added: “We must consciously live and conduct ourselves in a manner that shows our complete dependability on God for Him to heal our land.”

In her welcome address, the chairman of the Synod Local Organising Committee, Chief (Mrs) Adetoun Oduwole, appreciated the efforts of stakeholders towards making the synod a success and called on the synod delegates to play their parts adequately to ensure the growth of the diocese.

Bishop Abel Ajibodu of Ile-Oluji Diocese preached at the opening service held at The Cathedral Church of St. Matthew, Ojowo, Ijebu-Igbo, while Bishop Olubunmi Akinlade of Ife Anglican Diocese will preach at the closing service today.

Also present at the synod were Bishop Ezekiel Awosoga of Ijebu Diocese; Bishop (Dr) Babatunde Ogunbanwo of Ijebu South-West Diocese; Bishop Michael Oluwarohunbi of Yewa Anglican Diocese; the Balogun of Oru-Ijebu Kingdom, Chief Adekoya Basiru Adesunmola; Chief Adekunle Osibeluwo; Chief S.O. Idowu; Chancellor, Lagos West Anglican Diocese, Justice Babasola Ogunade; ProfessorAyo Ogunye; Mr Adelaja Abolaji; Chief O.A. Adeyemi; Mr ‘Dayo Onakoya; Mr Rotimi Fabanwo; Mr Adeboye Sobanjo, among others.