Unemployment, poor remuneration are national embarrassment, says Methodist Bishop

The Bishop of Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Lagos West, Right Reverend Oluyinka Akande, has said that the current employment rate and poor remuneration of workers constituted national embarrassment.

In his message to the 18th synod of the diocese held at Methodist Church, Mushin, Lagos State, on Saturday, Akande charged governments to address the two issues to improve the lot of Nigerians.

He said it was disheartening that many states owed staff salaries in spite of increased monthly allocation of funds to them by the Federal Government.

“It is more disheartening that some of the state governors still went to borrow money, notwithstanding the increased funds allocation,” he added.

“I urge governments at all levels to decisively tackle this avoidable situation. I also appeal that as we reduce dependence on importation of goods, the government should engender an environment conducive to business,” he said.

Akande noted that emigration by Nigerians was affecting the church as women were leaving the country and taking their husbands who are ministers in the church along with them.

He also challenged the government to tidy up the oil sector and bring those frustrating the sector to work since Nigeria’s economy is dependent on the oil industry.

He challenged President Bola Tinubu to improve the nation’s economy and address food insecurity; eradicate corruption and keep the promises he made to Nigerians when he assumed office.

Akande said the Methodist Church might consider the establishment of food banks in all its branches across the diocese and raise a committee on food security to address the issue.

ALSO READ: EXPLAINER: Why NOUN graduates are not eligible for NYSC