By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan
The Archbishop of Ibadan, Methodist Church Nigeria, Most Rev. Olumuyiwa Odejayi, said on Friday that interpersonal relationships was essential in peaceful co-existence.
He said the efficient harnessing of one another’s resources was also essential to attaining peaceful and harmonious co-existence in Nigeria.
Odejayi made the remarks at the opening of the 61st Annual Synod of the Methodist Diocese of Ibadan.
He noted that the country’s challenges would escalate when interpersonal relationships, peace and harmony were in short supply.
“A nation’s economy predicates the people’s wellbeing or otherwise.
“It is important for those involved in the making of economic policies to conscientiously engage in the process and activities that will guarantee favourable economic situation,’’ he said.
The cleric charged governments to evolve people-oriented policies and create the enabling environment for economy growth.
While congratulating those who won at the 2023 general elections, Odejayi urged them to sustain the unity and peace of the nation that were threatened in the build-up and immediately after the exercise.
“I remind them that the wellbeing of the citizenry and progress of this nation should be vigorously pursued amidst other challenges.
“I commend the increased participation of the electorate and urge all to remain calm and law-abiding so that together we will secure a greater nation.
“Politicians and their supporters should always demonstrate civility, sincerity and sense of responsibility if we are to nip thuggery, violent clashes and crises in the bud.
“No nation will thrive in the face of insecurity. The security of lives and property is the primary duty of any government, and as such should be uppermost in any government’s agenda.
“The activities of bandits, kidnappers, insurgents, terrorists and armed robbers, should be checkmated to ensure a secure nation.
“We all have parts to play in achieving this and should not leave the fight against insecurity to security agencies and governments alone,’’ he said.
The cleric also enjoined religious and traditional organisations to intensify teachings in peaceful co-existence and the sanctity of human life.
He also called attention to the need to curb spiralling examination malpractice so as not to destroy the education system.
Odejayi congratulated Oyo State’s Gov. Seyi Makinde on his election for a second term of office and urged him to do more for the people.
In his remarks, a member of the church’s Board of Trustees and former Minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, called on Nigerians to join hands in curbing insecurity, violence and other vices.
“All Christians must stand up now to do the needful to redeem the country from darkness,’’ he said.
Lay President of the church, Mrs Olasumbo Anifowose, called on governments to be sincere in all their dealings and in the way they treat the masses.
“All policies should be masses and pro-poor friendly so as not to cause unnecessary tension.’’ she charged. (NAN)
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