In addressing the current economic challenges facing the people, Rt. Reverend Williams Aladekugbe, the Bishop of Ibadan North (Anglican) Diocese, has called on governments at all levels to consider workable and practical solutions in the new year, instead of relying on palliatives.
He noted that these palliatives often fail to reach the entire populace, and many unscrupulous politicians use them to enrich themselves. Aladekugbe urged all Nigerians to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness, while fighting the good fight of faith to take hold of eternal life.
These calls were made in his New Year message delivered on Sunday. The cleric implored the government to invest more in local government interests than federal government issues, emphasizing that this approach would help people feel the positive effects of governance, reducing chaos in community living.
The bishop further urged the government to ensure that, in the new year, no religion or tradition should take precedence over the constitution in any part of the country. He warned that unless this is addressed, the nation will remain divided.
“We appeal to governments at all levels to make life meaningful and livable for the citizens. The citizens are hungry and angry, facing astronomical and unbearable living costs. The government should focus more on local government interests than federal government issues to improve community living conditions.
“We also plead that no religion or tradition should take precedence over the constitution in any part of the country. Unless this happens, we are obviously not one people. The continuous depreciation of the Nigerian Naira is alarming, and the government is urged to take serious action. The skyrocketing prices of food items are undesirable.
“The government should consider practical solutions instead of ineffective palliatives that don’t reach everyone or are misused by unscrupulous politicians. Citizens generally do not feel safe in the country, leading some to relocate to countries with better security services. Due to high crime rates and insecurity, Nigeria ranks low on the 2023 Global Peace Index, at the 144th position out of 163 countries.”
Appealing to the people, Bishop Aladekugbe, recalling the major challenges of 2023, emphasized that despite the seeming insignificance of fleeing from corruption and evil ways in the country, Nigerians, especially the Church, must make a difference in 2024.
“We are deeply grateful to God for seeing us through 2023 with all its ups and downs. It was through God’s mercy that we were not consumed in the year. Many challenges occurred, including pre-election issues, Naira redesign, cash unavailability, fuel scarcity, elections, change of governments, and the withdrawal of fuel subsidy, bringing untold hardship on the people until now. In all of these, God saw us through, Alleluia!
“As we begin the new year, we implore everyone to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. We must fight the good fight of faith and take hold of eternal life. As members of the Church, we live in a country where fleeing from corruption and evil ways may seem insignificant. Nevertheless, we should make a difference as Christians. If we keep the faith and have no part in the ills plaguing our country, others may reconsider.
“While thanking God for the dawn of a new year, we pray that the new year will bring joy, peace, security, and fulfillment to all and sundry. Happy New Year to us all,” said the Bishop.
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