L-R: Wife of former Bishop of Lagos, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Mrs. Oluranti Ademowo; Wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Diocesan Bishop of Lagos, Church of Nigeria, (Anglican Communion) The Rt. Rev. (Dr.) Humprey Bamisebi Olumakaiye and his Wife Prof. (Mrs.) Motunrayo Olumakaiye; at the Centenary Women’s conference
Odinaka Uruakpa
The President of Women and Girls’ Organisations and wife of the Diocesan Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos (Anglican Communion), Prof. Motunrayo Olumakaiye has enjoined the Federal Government to tackle the recurring problems affecting power supply in Nigeria so that the country can experience economic development.
Olumakaiye who gave this charge at the Centenary Women’s Conference, 2019 of the Diocese of Lagos tagged “Stronger, deeper and higher” also noted that irregular power supply has hindered economic growth and development in Nigeria.
According to her, Nigeria has suffered acute perennial electricity problems which has been identified as hindrance to the nation’s economic prosperity.
“Research has confirmed a strong correlation between electricity supply and socio-economic development of every nation. Businesses will thrive, industries will not fold or relocate to neighbouring countries with regular supply of electricity. As industries and small businesses begin to thrive, it will boost employment generation.
“Youth unemployment will reduce drastically, youth unrest and crime rate will go down. Electricity plays a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of the nation. Electricity consumption in Nigeria is far above the supply”, she said.
While appealing to the federal government to give more attention to the power sector, Prof. Olumakaiye advised that if necessary, a state of emergency should be declared in the power sector.
“I sincerely appeal to the federal government to look more critically into the power sector perhaps over and above some others. if necessary, a state of emergency should be declared in the power sector.
“Any government that is able to solve the problems of power will definitely win the people’s admiration and loyalty and such shall be the people’s government,” she said.
While lamenting on the rate of youth unemployment in the country, Olumakaiye urged the government to do more in the area of youth empowerment.
“The rate of youth unemployment in our country is worrisome. A nation that does not invest in the future of her youth is only investing in civil unrest.
“The government should empower our youths; when our youths are employed, crime rate and criminality will reduce. Kidnapping will reduce, ritual killings, thuggery and vandalism will also reduce.
“An online publication of January 2019, puts the youth unemployment rate in Nigeria at a 36.50 percent as at the third quarter of 2018 dropping slightly from an alarming 38 percent in the second quarter of 2018. Those are not comforting figures, as they remain worrisome indices of a challenging tomorrow,” She said.
Also speaking on the occasion, wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerians to put their trust in God and focus only on Jesus who can take care of all situations.
“God requires everyone of us to put our absolute trust in Him in all situations. We need to learn to look away from the ugly situations around us and focus solely on Jesus Christ. All the challenges we are facing will be a thing of the past”, she said.
She said that the theme for the conference taken from the holy scripture of Isaiah was chosen under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit because it is appropriate for the time and season in the country.
“When God promises us any good thing, He is faithful to bring it to pass. It might take time, but it will surely come to pass at God’s own time.
According to Dr. Sanwo-Olu, the only way Christians can get stronger, deeper and higher in God is to daily renew their minds with the word of God.
“It is only through this daily renewal of the word of God, that we can purge our hearts of any doubt, fear or evil. When we daily hide the word of God in our hearts, then our mind is gradually renewed.
“Also, we must not forsake the assembly of the Brethren and also have a personal determination to walk and work for God. Just as we need food to grow physically and be strong, so also we need the word of God to grow spiritually and live a deeper and higher life in God.
“We waiting on the Lord until we receive His promise requires a lot of patience. Whatever we constantly hear and see will ultimately affect our patience and faith. If we feed our minds with unbelief and doubt, we will faint, and not receive anything from God, but if we constantly feed our mind with the word of faith and confess God’s promises, we will definitely receive His promises.
While urging citizens to put their trust in God alone at all times, Sanwo-Olu said that God helps those who put their absolute and unwavering faith in Him.
She commended the Women and Girls’ Organisation for the their selfless service to humanity especially the laudable role they have been playing in terms of charity work, scholarship and assisting other dioceses, among others.
“God bless our women, our Diocese, our state, and our dear country, Nigeria”, she prayed.
On his part, the bishop and Diocesan, Rt. Rev. Humphrey Olumakaiye commended the women for the spiritual and charitable works in and around the diocese.
He urged the people to believe in God and not compromise their faith.
“To be stronger, deeper and higher, you need to be aware, able and available. Our God is able and always available.
“Be contented in the Anglican church. We do not want a situation where you will have another pastor elsewhere; be contented in the communion and walk with the Lord. The diocese will not compromise in making every member stronger in the Lord, and higher in our ministersteral assignment”, he said.
