The church specifically appealed to the President to intensify efforts in increasing local food production, stabilizing market prices, and providing robust support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Lagos, Nigeria – The Methodist Church Nigeria Diocese of Lagos Mainland has issued a strong call to President Bola Tinubu, urging his administration to take decisive action against the rising cost of food and the widespread economic hardship gripping millions of Nigerians.
Arising from its 31st yearly synod, held at the Ilasamaja Circuit under the leadership of Bishop of the Diocese, The Most Reverend (Dr) Samuel Nortey, and Diocesan Lay President, Sir Olusola Adu, the church specifically appealed to the President to intensify efforts in increasing local food production, stabilizing market prices, and providing robust support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
In a statement released after the synod, the diocese acknowledged the intentions of President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” aimed at repositioning the nation but stressed the urgent need for tangible relief measures for the populace.
The synod also expressed significant concern over the country’s persistent insecurity challenges. The church urged government officials to enhance intelligence-led security operations, bolster community policing initiatives, and ensure that justice is swiftly served for victims of violence and crime across the nation.
The synod, which was held under the theme “The Church Rising Again,” encouraged Christians to place their faith in the saving grace of Jesus Christ. It emphasized a forward-looking perspective for the body of Christ, urging believers not to dwell on past failures but to embrace the future with optimism, focus, and a renewed commitment to God’s work.
Highlighting a strategic vision for the future, the diocese underscored the critical importance of empowering and developing youth. It described this as a vital investment in the future of both the church and the society. The church called for active collaboration with the Lagos State Government and other relevant agencies to ensure young people can fully leverage available tools and maximize empowerment opportunities. This partnership between the church and the state was deemed essential for nurturing responsible, skilled, and spiritually grounded leaders for tomorrow.
Furthermore, the Methodist Church commended Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his administration’s developmental efforts and significant achievements in key sectors such as healthcare, education, transportation, and infrastructure.
However, the diocese also pointed out areas requiring further attention from the state government. It stressed the need for increased efforts to combat environmental degradation, improve public infrastructure, empower vulnerable groups through sustainable welfare programmes, and expand public-private partnerships to create jobs and ensure reliable service delivery across the state.
