By Abbas Nazil
The Bishop of Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Ado Ekiti, Rt Rev. Abidemi Shittu, has called on the Nigerian government and stakeholders to prioritize renewable energy solutions such as solar and wind power as a strategic response to the country’s chronic power supply crisis.
The cleric made the call during the third annual Synod of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Ado Ekiti, held at Opopogboro, Ado Ekiti on Saturday, where he presented the Bishop’s Address and Charge.
Highlighting the debilitating impact of inadequate electricity on daily life, Bishop Shittu warned that the country’s unreliable energy supply is severely limiting economic growth, reducing business productivity, and compounding unemployment issues.
He stressed that the power situation has become a national emergency, affecting virtually every sector and dragging back progress in development efforts.
The bishop advocated for immediate and sustained investment in alternative energy sources, noting that sustainable energy systems are critical for national transformation.
He urged the government to foster public-private partnerships to draw in investment, promote innovation, and encourage technological advancement in the energy sector.
According to him, these steps are vital to reducing the country’s dependence on unreliable electricity infrastructure and creating a stable energy future for all Nigerians.
In his address, Shittu also painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s economic conditions, lamenting the high inflation rates, rampant unemployment, and widespread infrastructural decay that continue to worsen the standard of living and business operations nationwide.
He called for urgent diversification into sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology to stimulate economic growth and create jobs.
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Shittu further emphasized that the fight against corruption and the need for good governance must remain a top priority if Nigeria is to attract meaningful domestic and foreign investments.
He urged strategic and relentless efforts to combat insecurity, improve the education sector, and restore the confidence of citizens in the country’s leadership.
The bishop commended Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his developmental strides, particularly his focus on improving the power sector and the government’s privatisation initiative, which he said must be properly monitored to ensure effectiveness.
He also sought support for the completion of the Bishop’s Office building and the procurement of an official vehicle to aid the church’s operations.
Supporting the bishop’s stance, the Diocese Lay President, Sir Olajide Borode, acknowledged the efforts of Nigerian leaders in addressing economic and security challenges but urged them to intensify their efforts.
He called on citizens to cooperate with law enforcement by obeying laws and providing timely information to combat security threats.
Borode also urged Christians to support the fight against corruption and called for the empowerment of anti-corruption agencies to effectively carry out their duties.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, represented by Princess Iyabo Fakunle-Okhiemen, declared the Synod open, commending the Methodist Church for its spiritual and moral support.
He urged continued prayers for Governor Oyebanji and lamented the increasing trend of youth involvement in social vices and internet fraud, stressing the role of parents in guiding their children.
Prof. Abiodun Ojo, Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies, Afe Babalola University, in his keynote address, called on both church and societal leaders to eschew corruption and promote justice, youth empowerment, and support for the needy.
He charged the church to serve as a catalyst for positive change by reflecting Christ’s values through action.
