The Diocesan Bishop of Ibadan North, Rt. Rev. Williams Aladekugbe, on Tuesday decried the worsening economic hardship in the country, saying that the current state of the economy is not in line with the promises made by President Bola Tinubu.
Aladekugbe stated this at the commendation service held at the All Saint’s Church, Jericho, Ibadan in honour of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu who died last year December.
The cleric said the escalating cost of essential goods, particularly food, has significantly increased the suffering of citizens, leading to widespread outcry.
“Nigerians have fallen victim to criminals, resulting in economic calamities and a surge in insecurity,” he bemoaned.
While tasking Tinubu to take concrete steps to address the hardship being experienced by Nigerians, Bishop Aladekugbe said that the people are living in pain, poverty, and hardship, despite the promises of the president.
He said that the hardship has led to increased crime and social vices, and that the situation has become unbearable.
The Bishop, however, urged Tinubu to intensify efforts to find lasting solutions to the problems, urging the government to tackle insecurity, improve the economy, and create jobs for the people.
He said: “The hardship that Nigerians are facing right now is not in line with the promises made by the Tinubu government. There is a disconnect between what was promised and what is being experienced.”
“The current situation has led to increased crime and social vices, and it is clear that the government needs to do more to address the needs of the people.
“I urge the government to take concrete steps to improve the economy, tackle insecurity, and create jobs for the people. Only then can we begin to see a real change in the lives of the people.”
“We cannot continue to live in a society where the majority of the people are struggling to survive. The government needs to take action to improve the lives of the people, and we, as the church, will continue to pray and support the government in this task.”
Extolling the virtues of Akeredolu, Bishop described the governor as a courageous man, asserting that his passing signifies not an end, but a beginning of transition from mortality to immortality.
He emphasised that death did not signify the completion but a transformative journey.
The Bishop said that Akeredolu’s life and times were marked by his commitment to serving the people of Ondo State and Nigeria, adding that that the late governor was a man of integrity, who was always committed to doing what was right, regardless of the consequences.
Bishop Aladekugbe said that Akeredolu was a man who was never afraid to speak the truth, even when it was not popular.
He said that the late governor’s legacy of integrity, honesty, and service would continue to inspire generations to come.
“In this moment of grief, we must also remember the positive impact that the late governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, had on Ondo State and Nigeria as a whole. He was a man of integrity and vision, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all.”
“I would also like to express my deepest condolences to the family of the late governor, and especially to his wife, Betty, who was a pillar of strength and support throughout his life. May God comfort them during this difficult time.”
“Finally, I want to encourage the people of Nigeria to remain hopeful and resilient. We must continue to work together to build a better future for our country, and to fulfill the promise of a brighter tomorrow for all.”
“In times of hardship, we must remember that hope is a powerful force. Hope can lift us up when we are down, and it can give us the strength to persevere. May we never lose hope, and may we always look to the future with confidence and faith. With God’s help, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our goals,” Bishop Aladekugbe said.
Ends
