The Diocese of Okrika, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has called on governments at all levels and politicians to prioritise programmes and policies that aim to uplift the living standards of the people in order to ensure greater prosperity.

This is just as the Diocese has thrown its weight behind the creation of State Police “as a panacea to help the overburdened Nigerian Police Force” in achieving its security goals to tackle insecurity in many parts of Nigeria.

These were part resolutions reached at the 3rd Session of the 7th Synod of the Diocese of Okrika, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) held at St James Anglican Church, Ogoloma, Okrika Archdeaconry in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State from May 2-5, 2024 presided over by the Bishop, Rt. Reverend Enoch Atuboyedia.

The Synod, which is the highest decision making organ of the Diocese, noted the challenges being faced by Nigerians in several spheres and called for action towards making life bearable for the people. It noted that the country had remained one through the grace of God.

With the Theme for this year’s Synod being “I See Grace,” the Synod tasked leaders of the country not to because of their personal ambitions act or live in manners compared to “planting landmines for tomorrow.”

“Government should consider life as a prime gift from God and thus with all earnestness prioritize the security of lives. The creation of State Police will greatly help the overburdened Nigerian Police Force in achieving its security goals.

“Government should do the needful to alleviate the “skyrocketing suffering” of the masses. Ensure that formulated policies transcend remotely and in the long-term to the prosperity of the masses that are the primary protectors and custodians of the nation.

“Government should give the needed attention to education (personal & infrastructure), healthcare (personal & infrastructure), basic social amenities and basic infrastructure to make life more comforting and comfortable,” the Synod noted.

While stating with concern the current unhealthy political rivalry in Rivers State, it urged all parties to sheathe their swords and work together for the benefit of the people.

Among others, the “Synod commends the pro-people initiatives of Governor Siminalayi’s administration, noting especially the positive comments from the civil servants and labour unions. Synod urges the Governor of Rivers State to diligently pursue more projects that deliver basic social services to enable the State meet the SDGs

“Synod commends the Rivers State Government for the launching of the N4 billion matching loan scheme for nano, small and medium-scale businesses and urges residents of the State to take advantage of this economic empowerment initiative.

“Synod encourages Rivers people to be confident that we will overcome the present economic, political and social challenges as the Grace of God is sufficient to guarantee peace, unity and development in the State.

“Synod notes the declining value system and moral decadence and urges parents and the church to be vigilant and provide direction and loving correction.”
Addressing the Synod, Governor of Rivers State Sir, Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS who was represented by the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Sir George Nwek, PHD, MNI noted that the theme of the Synod “I SEE GRACE,” inspired by Isaiah 30:18 remind us of the transformative power of grace and divine favor in our lives. Reflecting on the chorus of the Okrika Diocese Anthem, which emphasizes that Okrika belongs to God, the governor said “one cannot help but marvel at the great exploits that many sons of Okrika are achieving in Christian ministry. It is evident that the hand of divine favor is at work in Okrika land.” Governor Siminalayi said.
The governor also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the Church and Government for holistic development. As we work hand in hand towards a prosperous and inclusive society, let us be inspired

by the words of Desmond Tutu, “There is nothing more difficult than the realization that we are all one human family.”

Governor Fubara while extending his gratitude to the Okrika Diocese and the Christian community in general for their unwavering support, pledges his commitment to govern with integrity, humility, and a deep sense of duty to both God and humanity. The Governor also made a donation of N30m towards the building of the Diocesan N2bn secretariat.

Signed
Dame Ibim Semenitari
Diocesan Communicator
Diocese of Okrika

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