*Applauds student loans, Lagos-Calabar highway, others
Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Lagos Mainland, has expressed worries over rising cases of kidnapping, abduction and other challenges in the country.
The worries were contained in a communiqué the diocese issued on Wednesday at the end of its 30th Synod, held at Hoare’s Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos between Friday, April 26 and Sunday, April 28, 2024 under the leadership of the Archbishop and Bishop of Lagos Mainland, The Most Rev. Dr Obafemi Bamidele Adeleye; and the Diocesan Lay President, Sir Olusola Adu,
The synod has the theme: ‘Arise and Build,” which was taken from Nehemiah Chapter 2, Verse 18.
While the Synod acknowledged the sacrifices the military and police forces had been making to tackle crimes in the country, it expressed concern over recent escalation in kidnappings, student abductions, activities of gunmen, and the prevailing general insecurity across the nation.
The communiqué reads: “There’s a pressing need for a comprehensive review of the country’s security framework, leveraging modern technology to combat these threats. We urge the government to prioritise national security, strengthen law enforcement agents, support community-based peace initiatives such as state policing, and protect lives and property.
It also expressed concern over the removal of fuel subsidies amid economic challenges, and called for a swift transition from temporary relief measures to creating conducive business environment.
On currency devaluation, the Synod stressed the importance of transparent management to safeguard the economy and stabilise the forex market.
“The Synod expresses anticipation for a new minimum wage that would reflect the rising cost of living, essential for promoting worker welfare and easing financial burdens on families,” the communiqué added.
“The Synod,” according to the communiqué, however, “welcomed the enactment of the Student Loan Act, emphasising investment in youth education, but stressed the importance of transparent implementation devoid of bureaucratic or political obstacles.”
While acknowledging the proposal to set the minimum university entry age at 18, the diocese advised government to focus on student quality and readiness rather than rigid age restrictions.
It also called for expedited infrastructural development and commended efforts to revive projects like the coastal road from Lagos to Calabar and the Express Road from Badagry to Sokoto.
The Synod emphasised the importance of the Fourth Mainland Bridge project and the need for sustainable power supply to support business activities, especially SMEs and MSMEs.
Expressing concern over the removal of fuel subsidies amid economic challenges, the Synod called for a swift transition from temporary relief measures towards creating conducive business environment.
On currency devaluation, the Synod stressed the importance of transparent management to safeguard the economy and stabilise the forex market.
It also called for a new minimum wage that would reflect the rising cost of living, essential for promoting worker welfare and easing financial burdens on families.
On Lagos State, the Synod commended the state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his administration for developments in the state, particularly the red and blue light rail lines. The Synod, however, emphasised the need to sustain the developments.
Advocating diversification beyond oil, the Synod underscored the importance of prioritising solid minerals and agriculture to create employment opportunities, enhance food security, and boost the nation’s GDP.
