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Nigerians, Churches Groaning Under Economic Pressure — Anglican Bishop

Published

11 months ago

July 13, 2025

Editor

The Archbishop of Ondo Ecclesiastical Province and Bishop of Akure Anglican Diocese, Most Reverend Simeon Borokini, has expressed deep concern over the worsening economic situation in Nigeria, lamenting its severe impact on citizens and churches nationwide.

The Anglican Bishop stated this while delivering his charge at the first session of the 15th Diocesan Synod, with the theme “Trusting the God of Abundant Grace” held at St. James’ Anglican Church, Oda, in the Akure South Local Council Area of Ondo State.

Borokini noted that the economic hardship is not only affecting the daily lives of Nigerians but is also crippling the operations of many churches, saying the harsh economic realities have left many congregants struggling to meet financial obligations, including tithes and offerings.

According to the cleric, churches do not benefit from any form of government subvention and are solely dependent on the goodwill and contributions of members.

“Churches do not receive any form of financial subvention from the government. Our survival depends entirely on the offerings and donations from our members,” he said.

The Anglican Bishop, however, urged the government to improve the country’s economic situation. The harsh economic realities have left many church members struggling to meet their financial obligations, including support to churches.

He said, “When you are talking about the church, you cannot exclude the government because the composition of the government is the people, and it affects the members. I’m not talking about Anglican members alone but Christians all over.

“And especially, the church doesn’t get any subvention from the government; it is the little collections from the members, and if the money doesn’t circulate, if the members don’t have enough, the church will receive little. So it is affecting the church adversely.

“That is why we are saying that the economic situation of the country should be improved. If there are industries that enable gainful employment, I think the economy of the people will be improved and more people will donate to the church.”

While calling on the Federal Government to urgently address the economic downturn, Borokini urged President Bola Tinubu to focus more on policies that promote industrial development and job creation, especially for the youth.

He also commended the administration’s efforts in tackling insecurity and improving infrastructure, noting that while some progress has been made, more work needs to be done in areas such as employment generation and the fight against banditry and kidnappings.

The clergy appealed to President Tinubu to further intensify the campaign against banditry and kidnappings, Borokini maintained that the President deserved commendation following his assessment and performance in the last two years.

“We will commend him (Tinubu) for the foreign exchange, which is somehow stable. Also the insecurity, especially in the northern part where there is a reduction, maybe because of the Defence Minister and others in charge of security. There is a reduction in insecurity.

“Though we cannot give a 100 percent mark, to some extent, there is a little bit of reduction, and we also want to encourage them should still intensify the security network.

“Not only in the northern part, but all over the country, particularly the menace of herdsmen and kidnappers, because they serve as threats even to travellers and farmers.

“If the security situation is fully tackled, it will improve our economy, and food production will be available for the masses. So the idea of hunger in the land will reduce.

“On infrastructure, we want to commend the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike. Since he has assumed office with the backing of the president, there is a sort of facelift in Abuja, and we see many things in progress.

“Not only in Abuja but also in some parts of the country. Infrastructure should also be intensified so that it will make life easier for the general populace.

“Government should create more employment, especially for our graduates, because if they don’t have anything to do, like the Bible says, the devil finds work for idle hands.

“I’m not saying the government will find jobs for everybody, but they should try as much as possible to create some work that can engage some of our youth. So they should look in that direction.

“In our assessment, we give him 60 percent, and we expect him to still do more so that life will be easy for the generality of the populace.“

Related Topics:#Bishop #Nigeria Nigerians

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Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
‎
‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
‎
‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
‎
It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
‎
‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
‎
‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
‎
‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
‎

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Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.