The Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, The Rt. Rev. Olusola Odedeji, has decried the state of the nation’s economy while expressing hope that Nigeria will “get out of the woods” in the near future.
The Bishop said this in his Presidential Address at the Third Session of the Ninth Synod of the diocese, which took place on Friday.
It took place at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral Church in Ikeja, Lagos.
Bishop Odedeji noted that the purchasing power of the people has been completely weakened.
“The naira has lost value,” he lamented.
Beyond that, he noted that the pressure for survival is real.
He said: “Sometimes you are afraid to open your phone because of the numerous requests and bank account numbers that will be waiting for you.
“Things are that bad.”
However, Odedeji noted that the current economic crisis is a consequence of the various reforms being carried out by the government.
He said: “Many developed nations that our people are running to have gone through this phase.
“It’s a matter of time, we will get out of the woods.
“Those who have traveled out will begin to come back.”
The Bishop lamented the state of insecurity in the country, stating that even traveling from Lagos to Ibadan fills people with fear as they do not know what might confront them.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to intensify efforts to create a safe environment for Nigerians, while also noting that the power sector has not lived up to expectations.
Odedeji commended the Lagos State Government for making the state a safe haven for residents and for greatly impacting the lives of the people.
He specifically acknowledged how Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has supported the church over the years.
He said: “The government of Lagos State is doing well.
“May God bless Lagos State.
“The church is indebted to him.
“On the issue of land ownership and some of our parishes, the governor has played a significant role.
