'Japa': Cleric Expresses Concern Over Attitude Among Nigerians

As the nation awaits the swearing-in of a new administration, the citizens have been charged to join hands with relevant authorities and organisations to check the trend of emigration from the country.

The Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Oliver Ali Aba gave the charge in a message to the 16th Synod of Elekuro Diocese of the church held at lgboora, Oyo State.

Aba noted that since the people had been united in criticising the political leadership across the land, every effort should be geared towards working for progressive ideas to check the current massive emigration to a foreign land.

He pointed out that the coming together of over 400 ethnic nationalities to form a country called Nigeria over a century ago should not be seen as a mistake.

According to him, Nigerians should come up with personal commitment and determination to rebuild areas of sociopolitical and economic dilapidation.

He said leadership is a reflection of who its people are, hence the need to intercede for both the political and business leaders in prayer for divine knowledge to alleviate the suffering in the land.

With the theme of the Synod as: "Contending for the faith," taken from Jude verse 3, Aba advised the incoming administration to work on the pitfalls of the outgoing administration particularly in the areas of intermittent fuel scarcity and the controversial currency policy.

In his address, the Bishop of Elekuro Diocese, Rt Revd David Foluso Adekoya called on Christians to be wary of false teaching which have become rampant in the society.

He added that a similar incident in the Garden of Eden plunged the human race to lose the original plan of GOD to mankind.

In a lecture entitled: "Towards Ministerial Integrity, the Presbyter, Methodist Church, Apata, Very Revd Olumide Aluko advised Religious leaders to Exhibit virtues of honesty, openness, reliability, trustworthiness and patience in their calling.

The Lay President of Elekuro Diocese, Professor Olatunde Fawole in his address advised delegates to undertake regular checks of their health in view of various challenges in human health in recent times.

While congratulating Nigerians on the success of the general election that produced the President-elect, Bola Tinubu and Engineer Seyi Makinde for a second term in Oyo State, the Church enjoined the political officeholders to uphold the confidence the people repose in them to turn around the economy and improve the living standard of the people.

The Synod acknowledged the Federal Government's efforts in combating insecurity, especially activities of bandits, kidnappers, ritualists and fraudsters and advised that combined efforts with state governments should be applied to fight the battle to a logical end.