By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan
Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, has advocated for more policies and legislations that would address moral decadence and promote the wellbeing of youths.
Badejo stated this at a news conference organised by the diocese in Oyo town on Tuesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference had, as its theme: “Church and State Collaboration in Citizens’ Welfare and the Development of Society.”
Badejo listed the issues that needed to be addressed as inequity, lack of access to holistic education and job opportunities, among others.
He decried what he called the increasing number of youths engaging in banditry, kidnapping and other social vices.
The cleric called on governments at all levels to always involve youths in decision-making process, community development initiatives and youth-oriented projects in order to empower them and make them to become agents of positive change.
He also urged government to monitor the effectiveness of its youth intervention programmes, collate data and conduct evaluation to aid in future strategies and actions.
According to him, government should also do more in the areas of surveillance as well as security of lives and property.
He further stated that tough security concerns needed more comprehensive approach involving collaboration among government agencies, traditional, community leaders and other stakeholders, including the church.
The bishop enjoined Oyo State Government to provide financial support for educational institutions being run by the church and other credible private organisations.
“The Catholic diocese of Oyo currently runs 26 primary and secondary schools and other skills acquisition and empowerment centres in the state, where we provide qualitative education and moral formation for youths,” he said.
Badejo reiterated the call for return of Catholic schools taken over by the state many decades ago, without any compensation.
This, he said, would effectively widen the reach of missionary service, restore ethics in the education system, check crimes and benefit everyone, irrespective of their religious affiliations.
On the local government elections coming up on Saturday in Oyo State, Badejo stressed the need for the State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) to conduct free, fair and peaceful exercise.
He enjoined Nigerians to use their exposure to social media to promote wholesome values, like the sanctity of human lives, respect for rule of law, dignity of labour, women, care for the elderly and solidarity with the weak.
“We enjoin all with access to social media to avoid damaging and injurious activities and languages, and be more constructive to stimulate others toward ennobling and appropriate actions,” he said.
The bishop commended the efforts of the state government at upgrading Fashola Farm Settlement to Oyo State Agribusiness Hub and enhancing food security in the state.
He, however, urged the government to subsidise the cost of farm inputs and implements so that farmers could have easy access to them.
“Government should also enforce its pronouncement on multiple taxation on agricultural produce during transportation from farms to urban markets in the state.
“The church commends efforts of the government in construction of many roads in the state.
“Nonetheless, it is glaring that township road networks have dilapidated in many towns across the 33 local government areas of the state.
“Oyo town, by which name this state is known, deserves special attention from Gov. Seyi Makinde as an ancient, historic city that can enhance tourism and economy of the state. (NAN)
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