COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE THIRD SESSION OF THE FIFTH SYNOD OF IJESA NORTH DIOCESE HELD AT ST JUDE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, IKEJI ILE, OSUN STATE FROM SATURDAY, 6^TH JULY – SUNDAY 7^TH JULY, 2024.

1.                  INTRODUCTION

• The Ijesa North-East Diocese in the Ecclesiastical Province of Ibadan (Anglican Communion) held the third session of its fifth Synod from Saturday, 6^th July – Sunday, 7^th July 2024 at St Jude’s Anglican Church, Ikeji Ile, Osun state.
• The Diocesan and the president of the Synod, The Rt. Revd. Dr. J. A. F. Olusola presided over the Synod.
• The theme of the Synod was “Disciple Making: The Mandate of the Church” (Mathew 28: 18-20)
• The Synod commenced with a Synod opening service on Saturday, 6^th July 2024. The Rt. Revd Dr. Steven Akobe, Lord Bishop Kabba Diocese ministered at the opening service on Saturday and closing service on Sunday 7^th July 2024.
• The opening service of the Holy Eucharistic of the third session of the fifth Synod took place on Saturday, 6^th July 2024 and the service was presided over by the President of the Synod, The Rt. Revd Dr. J. A. F. Olusola, assisted by other Clergy in the Diocese.
• The Bible Study which took place on Saturday morning 6^th July 2024, was conducted by The Rt. Revd Dr. Steven Akobe, the Lord Bishop of Kabba Diocese.

2.                  SYNOD THEME

• The Synod under the leading of the Holy Spirit studied and analysed the theme “Disciple Making: The mandate of the Church” (Mathew 28: 18-20).

3. THE SYNOD HIGHLIGHTED THE FOLLOWING:

1. TYPES OF DISCIPLESHIP.

• Personal Discipleship
• Relational Discipleship
• Missional Discipleship
• Community Discipleship
• Lifelong Discipleship

B. INED DISCIPLESHIP VISION

The vision is to see committed followers of Christ in Ijesa North East Diocese becoming genuine Christians and effectively making disciples who are growing in maturity and making other disciples in their families, local churches, communities and the world.

C. QUALITIES OF A DISCIPLER

• Humility
• Patience
• Encouragement
• Accountability
• Wisdom
• Love

    4.       THE MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH

• The goal of discipleship is to present everyone mature in Christ
• We should seek to become better disciples in the family.
• The heart of discipleship is proclaiming Jesus.
• Discipleship requires energy. Time and hard work.
• The purpose of Christian discipleship is to grow in relationship with God and others
• The role of parents and the church in family discipleship
• Discipleship propels church growth

5.                   DIOCESAN NEWS

• Synod reaffirmed its support and loyalty to the constitution of the Church of Nigeria (CON) and its doctrines and resolved to maintain the standards and doctrines of the Church as a legacy.
• Synod applauded the dedication of Our Saviours Anglican Church Obalende on Saturday 20th April 2024 as well as the inauguration of the Greater Chapter of St. Paul’s Cathedral Ipetu Ijesa on Sunday 16th June 2024
• Synod appreciated all donors and givers to the work of God especially in the areas of physical infrastructures, time and energy to aid the smooth running of the Diocese. God will favour you in all areas of your endeavours.
• Synod congratulated all the churches for the giant stride in infrastructural development in the churches in the Diocese and prayed that God will reward all the donors and contributors.
• Synod reiterated the importance of programmes and training in the Diocese Province and National church and urged active participation by all stakeholders at all levels.
• Synod reiterated the areas of needs in the Diocese and called for support in those areas.
• Synod congratulated and rejoiced with all celebrants and also commiserated with all families who lost their loved ones in the Diocese, and prayed for them to have the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses.
• Synod appreciated the love and affection of every member of the Diocese since the home call of Mama INED, Mummy Grace Olusola whose one year remembrance came up on 8th June 2024

6.   ON OSUN STATE

Synod appreciates our amiable Governor in Osun State, His Excellency Senator Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke for his approach to governance, keeping Osun state together and progressively.

Synod appeals to the Governor of Osun State, as one of the federating states in Nigeria to offer what is reasonable to workers in public institutions as minimum wage and also actively guide private businesses in the state as part of the overall efforts to increase the minimum wage across the nation.

Synod applauded the efforts of the state government on the various road construction projects and further appealed for continuous facilitation, efficiency, and maintenance of the existing ones to assist local businesses to thrive and connect to larger markets thus boosting the rural economy.

7.   ON THE NATION

A. THE STATE OF SECURITY IN NIGERIA

Synod expresses concern at the high level of insecurity in the country and as a matter of grave concern not only for the physical well-being of Nigerians, but also for the spiritual and moral integrity as a nation.

B. WAR ON INSURGENCY, KIDNAPPING, RANSOMS AND ARMS PROLIFERATION

Synod condemns the high level of banditry, kidnapping, ethnic cleansing and other forms of killings.

Synod calls on the government to employ all methods at its disposal to reduce these conflicts and problems through diplomatic means, focused leadership and National Conference to address the myriads of problems confronting the polity especially on the issue of cattle ranching which seems to be the bane of security issues.

C.   HIGH COST OF LIVING

The Synod decries the high cost of living as becoming worrisome and requires urgent attention from all stakeholders. Banditry, kidnapping and the menace of herdsmen is affecting the supply chain of food and staples in the country. Morality has been thrown to the dogs, and people now engage in things that cannot be imagined, just for the sake of making ends meet.

Synod calls on the government to urgently address food production by way of mechanization and other incentives. If care is not taken, people may rise up one day, revolting against the present living conditions.

D.  THE ECONOMY AND JUMBO PAY FOR POLITICIANS

The Synod observes that the Nigeria economy presents significant challenges that demand urgent and comprehensive responses.

Synod observed that the disparity between the lavish compensation of our political leaders and the economic conditions of the average Nigerian is both unsustainable and morally indefensible.

Synod advised a governance system that prioritizes the welfare of all citizens, fosters economic justice and uphold the dignity of public office.

E. STATE OF EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

The Synod calls on the government to actively engage all stakeholders in efforts to improve education with a view to empowering our children with the knowledge and skills they need to build a brighter future for themselves and our nation.

Synod noted the menace of bullying in schools and colleges and advised that schools must integrate Christian values into their educational framework by implementing comprehensive anti-bullying policies that are rooted in biblical principles of love and respect for one’s neighbour.

8.   APPRECIATION.

The Synod expressed its appreciation to all the Bishops, the Royal Majesties, Bible study Leader and the preacher at the opening and closing services of the Synod and other church leaders who graced the occasion with their presence and those who sent goodwill messages.

The Rt. Revd J. A. F. Olusola, Ph.D.

Ven. Muyiwa Edun

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