By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan
The Bishop of Ibadan Anglican Diocese, Most Rev. Joseph Akinfenwa, has urged Gov. Seyi Makinde to redouble efforts to combat indiscriminate waste disposal and other environmental nuisance in Oyo State.
Akinfenwa made the appeal on Friday at the 25th Synod of the Ibadan Anglican Diocese, held at St. James Cathedral, Okebola, Ibadan.
The bishop warned that if not checked, heaps of refuse on roadside and street nuisance, especially by beggars and destitutes, may snowball into an epidemic of petty crimes.
Akinfenwa enjoined Gov. Makinde to empower the necessary agencies of government to combat street nuisance while protecting the basic freedoms of the citizenry.
According to him, better security, urban renewal and improved local economy have led to greater influx of people into Oyo State, especially Ibadan.
“The city is expanding daily, of course, with growth comes new challenges, so we plead with our amiable governor to redouble efforts to combat these menace.
“Also, we hear that once you do the road in an area, house rent will double or triple, please, help us to beg landlords or control them to reduce alarming rents,” he said.
Akinfenwa appreciated Makinde for the good infrastructural developments, education, peace and innovations being experienced in the state.
“We commend you for your prompt response to and decisive action against threats to public peace in the state, rapid response is very key in curtailing security threats.
“Gov. Makinde has scored high on this, he pays good and personal attention to security and doesn’t outsource the job of keeping his people safe; we thank you,” he said.
Akinfenwa urges Nigerians to stop the constant complaints, but to also see reasons to give thanks.
“Let’s learn to thank God for life, peace, unity (as we are still one nation), and several other benefits we have that money cannot buy,” he said.
The bishop also appreciated the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, for his support and being a long-standing friend of Ibadan diocese.
“His ascension to the kingship of Ibadan land is a fulfilment of divine promise and his story reminds us that when God makes a promise, He can fulfill it wholly without any man’s help.
“Kabiyesi Ladoja is the first democratically elected former governor to become a king in the Nigerian traditional and political history.
“We really acknowledge him and thank God for that,” he said.
Akinfenwa also expressed profound gratitude to God for the grace to serve and witness tremendous growth and the synod, he tagged “valedictory synod.”
The bishop described his wife, Mrs Comfort Akinfenwa, as a strong, dependable pillar, and appreciated her for all her sacrifices.
He pledged to devote his life after retirement to her love and care.
Akinfenwa further thanked the good people of the Ibadan diocese for their support, emphasising that it’s been a journey of tremendous growth for him, his family and ministry.
The Archbishop of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province and Bishop of Ibadan North Anglican Diocese, Dr Williams Aladekugbe congratulated Bishop Akinfenwa and his wife for finishing well, strong and intact.
“We cannot finish thanking, celebrating you sir for all the Lord has used you to do in the diocese. You are one in a million.
“We will always be there for you even at your retirement.
“Considering the fact that you would have presented at least 60 charges in the course of your ministry, you should be called a Professor,” Aladekugbe said.
Also, the Chancellor of Ibadan Diocese, Hon. Justice Morenikeji Ogunwumiju, described the Bishop as a man who speaks ‘truth to power “, year in and year out.
“Consistently for 26 years, you have been outstanding, your episcopacy has brought many innovations and many achievements in the spreading of the gospel.
“We really appreciate and commend you and wife for living a life of faithfulness to the core,” the chancellor said.
The highlights of the event were the launch of the Bishop’s charge and presentation of awards to some students in the diocese for their outstanding academic performance.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this will be the last synod to be presided over by Bishop Akinfenwa in the diocese before his retirement when he clocks 70 in May. (NAN)
Post a Comment