The Anglican Diocese on the Coast in Ondo State has identified insecurity, including the killing of innocent citizens, rampant kidnapping for ransom, and herders-farmers clashes, as the greatest threat to the nation's existence. The Diocese called for stronger and sustained actions to end the menace.
During the first session of its 11th Synod at The Cathedral Church of Ebenezer, Ilutitun, Okitipupa Local Council, the Diocese asserted that insecurity reflects the government's failure to provide public services that meet basic needs and discourage criminal activities.
The synod attributed escalating insecurity to porous borders, especially in the north, high unemployment, rising poverty, bad governance, and weak security architecture. The Diocesan Bishop, Rev’d OlaOluwa Oluseyi Pirisola, advised instilling right values, morals, and religious principles in Nigerians, particularly youths, to prevent their recruitment into criminal gangs.
Delegates at the synod, themed “Being Transformed Into His Likeness” (II Corinthians 3:18), praised the move for state police creation and urged the government to equip the military with modern weapons and technologies for intelligence gathering and successful operations against terrorists and criminals.
The government was admonished to fight corruption, tackle poverty, address the rising petroleum product prices due to the U.S.-Iran war, and ensure excess crude oil revenue is used for all Nigerians' benefit.
The Anglicans urged citizens, especially Christians, to actively participate in politics ahead of the 2027 general elections but cautioned against mass defections that could lead to a one-party state. They emphasized that opposition is crucial for democracy's survival and should thrive in Nigeria.
Bishop Pirisola praised Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for road construction and rehabilitation but requested attention to the Igbotako-Irowa Road, Gbagada-Ajegunje-Aiyede Road, and Oloto-Aiyetumara Road, vital for business activities of peasants, youths, and women in Ondo South. He also urged prioritization of the proposed Deep Seaport.
The Synod lauded the dualisation of the Igbokoda-Okitipupa-Ore Road and urged the contractor to expedite completion. Delegates called for immediate compensation for property owners affected by the road project.
The state government was also urged to address epileptic power supply, curb youth betting sprees, ensure primary and secondary education administrators supervise personnel to reduce lateness and negligence, and legally curb cultism in schools and streets.
