The Anglican Bishop of Ijesa North with the headquarters in Ijebu Jesa, Osun State, Dr. Isaac Oluyamo, has called on Nigerians to pray more, noting that the country is currently going through its worst economic crisis in a generation.
The bishop also sought investment in agriculture, especially mechanised farming.
According to a statement obtained in Osogbo, Osun State capital, on Sunday, Oluyamo spoke at the opening service of the diocesan synod of held at Saint Stephen’s Anglican Church, Ere Ijesa.
The cleric, while admitting that the economic crisis has led to widespread hardship and frustration, however declared that with prayers, God would restore the country’s lost glory.
“We are aware that Nigeria is currently facing its worst economic crisis in a generation, causing widespread hardship and frustration.
“Nevertheless, we have confidence in the President’s good plans for our nation Nigeria. We urge Nigerians, especially Christians, to continue praying for President Bola Tinubu’s success in accomplishing his plans. Soon, God will restore the lost glory of this nation and all Nigerians will rejoice and sing a new song of victory.
“The future of Nigeria rests in our hands. Failure to improve our systems today will undoubtedly have severe repercussions tomorrow, as we are already experiencing. Let us not idly watch our country slip away. I urge the Nigerian government to uphold the true principles of democracy and create an enabling environment for our people to thrive,” Oluyamo said.
He called on the federal and other tiers of government, as well as the private sector operators to invest in agriculture, particularly mechanised farming in a bid to boost the country”s food production capacity.
He further suggested that, “To maximise the benefits of agriculture nationwide, the government must halt open grazing and prioritise bolstering national security, addressing critical issues like kidnapping and the harassment of farmers.”
Commending Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, for embarking on reconstruction of damaged roads, rehabilitation of health centres and recruitment of workers, the cleric
encouraged him (the governor) not to relent, but to continue working hard and improve infrastructural amenities across the state.
According to him, the responsibility of nurturing the younger generation should be a collective task, charging parents, churches, and society at large to play more active role in youth development.
He said the goal of developing Nigerian youth into good future leaders could be approached through, “investing in their education, providing better job opportunities, and instilling sound moral and spiritual values. We can prevent our nation from sinking deeper into despair.”