Cushion economic hardship, improve security, Anglican bishop urges Tinubu

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The Anglican Bishop of the Missionary Diocese of Oyo South, Rt. Rev. Olufemi Familoni, has urged President Bola Tinubu to introduce urgent measures to cushion the economic hardship facing Nigerians amid ongoing reform policies.

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Familoni made the call during his presidential charge at the first statutory Synod of the diocese held on Friday at the Cathedral Church of St. John, Akinmoorin, Oyo State, themed “A Renewed Mind.”

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In a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Sunday, the bishop said Nigeria’s economic situation remains a “matter of serious concern,” noting that the impact of reforms has been most severe on vulnerable groups.

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According to him, “the effect of the reform policies has been particularly felt among low-income earners, civil servants, and small business owners, many of whom struggle to meet their basic needs,” adding that rising transport costs had worsened inflation and deepened poverty.

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Familoni called on the Federal Government to introduce stronger social protection measures, stressing that “targeted interventions, such as subsidies for essential services, support for small and medium-scale enterprises, and direct assistance to vulnerable groups, are necessary to alleviate the burden on citizens.”

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He also urged the government to focus on local production and economic diversification, saying, “Encouraging agriculture, manufacturing, and small-scale industries will not only create employment but also stabilise the economy.”

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The bishop further charged the administration to ensure transparency and accountability in economic management, insisting that “policies must be people-centred, ensuring that growth translates into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.”

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While commending recent efforts in the education sector, including agreements aimed at improving industrial harmony in universities, Familoni urged the government to ensure full implementation of such commitments and expand vocational and technical education.

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On health, he raised concern over the continued migration of medical professionals, warning that “the increasing migration of our highly trained and experienced medical professionals to other countries has significantly weakened our healthcare system.”

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Speaking on insecurity, the cleric called for a more decisive approach, recommending “a robust, intelligence-driven, kinetic, and community-based security framework,” while also commending key security appointments and urging them to deliver tangible results.

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He further appealed for urgent action in the power sector, calling for a state of emergency, and described stable electricity as “the backbone of economic activity and youth empowerment.”

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On state governance, Familoni commended Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for development efforts but urged wider spread of projects across all parts of the state beyond Ibadan.

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The synod ended on Sunday, May 10, 2026, with a thanksgiving service, during which the bishop also instituted three Canon stalls in honour of senior clergy and church fathers.

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