Image caption: The Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev’d. Dr. Titus Babatunde Olayinka (middle), flanked from right, by Engr. Sola Ayeni, Hon. Adebayo Johnson Bankole, Dr. David Olajide Ladipo, Mrs. Bolatito Olayinka, Canon Bar. Dr. Idowu Akinloye, Bar. Prince Deji Oyetunde, Mr. Kunle Alagbe and Dr. George Olayinka Owolabi
Synod: Anglican Diocese Ogbomoso raises concern over widespread poverty, insecurity, commends Gov Makinde over infrastructure
Femi OGUNLANA
Advertisement
The Diocese of Ogbomoso of the Anglican Communion, Church of Nigeria, has concluded its third session of the sixth synod.
The programme held at St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Oke-Osuru, Ogbomoso, between April 30 and May 3, had as theme, “What is that in Your Hand?” Text was taken from Exodus 4:2.
The synod featured various events including youth outreach, revival, Holy Communion service, Bible study, goodwill messages, reading and launching of the Bishop’s Charge and a thanksgiving service on the final day.
According to the communique issued at the end of the synod, it was emphasized that every individual should develop and utilise their God-given talents and abilities.
Speaking on the state of the nation the synod expressed worry over the widespread poverty and insecurity in the country just as it decried the non-functioning of the government – owned refineries.
The synod thus charged the politicians to gear up and address the many problems assailing the country.
Meanwhile, the church commended the Oyo state governor Engr Seyi Makinde over his investment in infrastructural development especially road in the state capital while urging him to extend the gesture to other local governments.
Advertisement
Below is the Communique in full:
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE THIRD SESSION OF THE SIXTH SYNOD OF OGBOMOSO ANGLICAN DIOCESE, HELD AT ST. MICHAEL’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, OKE-OSURU, OGBOMOSO FROM WEDNESDAY, 30 APRIL TO SUNDAY, 4 MAY 2025.
PREAMBLE: The Synod was filled with joy and gratitude to God for the grace to hold this year’s Synod despite the increasing destruction of lives, properties, worsening insecurity challenges, economic downturn, poverty, and the suffering of the masses. The Third Session of the Sixth Synod, held at St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Oke-Osuru, Ogbomoso, took place from Wednesday, 30 April to Sunday, 4 May 2025. The Synod theme was ‘What is that in Your Hand?’ taken from Exodus 4:2. The programme commenced with the third edition of the Synod youth outreach, followed by revival, Holy Communion service, Bible study, goodwill messages, reading and launching of the Bishop’s Charge, plenary sessions and more. The Synod concluded with a thanksgiving service on Sunday, 4 May 2025.
THE SYNOD THEME: The Synod theme emphasised the idea that every individual created by God possesses something valuable in their hands that gives meaning to their life and the world around them. Many people tend to focus on what they lack, comparing themselves to others and questioning why God has not blessed them in the same way. Every gift from God is a potential that must be utilised properly in due time, otherwise, it may be lost. Whatever is held in one’s hand is a liability, but when given to God, it becomes a spiritual asset as seen in the life of Moses, leading to the freedom of the Israelites from their Egyptian oppressors, and to God’s glory.
THE STATE OF THE NATION: The Synod recognised that the theme resonates with the current conditions in Nigeria. Despite being blessed with abundant human and natural resources, most citizens suffer from poverty. The Synod raised concerns about Nigeria’s economic and security challenges and questioned why none of the government-owned refineries are functioning when an individual has successfully built and is running a refinery in Nigeria. The Synod urged political leaders at all levels to end mal-administration, corruption, and prioritize the well-being of Nigerians over engaging in shameful and scandalous activities. The Synod encouraged all Nigerians to make positive use of the blessings God has bestowed upon them, fear God, and do His will.
OYO STATE: The Synod expressed appreciation to Oyo State Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Oluwaseyi Makinde for his efforts, including the recent recruitment of teeming jobless youths into the State’s Civil Service and the ongoing road constructions and maintenance in the State, particularly in the State capital. The Synod also urged the Governor to extend these efforts to all local government areas in the State.
