By Caroline Erowofiuna
The Diocese of Ogorimagongo, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), has called on governments at all levels to intensify efforts in tackling insecurity, improve funding for education and introduce policies to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.
The call was contained in a communique issued at the end of the third session of the Fifth Synod of the Diocese held at the Church of the Resurrection, Oshobane, Ogori, from October 9 to 11, 2026.
The synod, with the theme, “Thirsting After God,” taken from Psalm 42:2, noted that thirst, both physical and spiritual, conveys the desire to quench dryness and be refreshed.
According to the communique, believers must seek personal relationship with God, noting that the more they know Him, the more they become acquainted with His ways and enjoy lasting communion with Him.
On the state of the nation, the synod commended the Federal Government for gains recorded in the fight against insecurity but urged it to do more to protect lives and property.
It called for improved intelligence gathering, deployment of forest guards, adequate policing of vulnerable areas and recovery of territories under the control of terrorists.
On education, the synod urged government to prioritise funding for the sector, strengthen accountability, improve teachers’ welfare through better remuneration and training, and expand safe and inclusive basic education.
It also called for the integration of vocational and digital skills into the curriculum and for making tertiary education accessible and affordable.
The synod acknowledged the adverse effects of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians and urged government to come up with policies that would mitigate its negative impact on the economy.
It condemned all forms of xenophobic and racial attacks, discrimination and hostility based on nationality or race, affirming that every human being is created in the image of God and is entitled to dignity, security and justice.
The synod expressed grave concern over the escalating menace of drug trafficking, substance abuse and addiction, particularly among youths, noting that the scourge was fuelling violent crime, gang activity, insecurity and mental health challenges.
It therefore called on government and relevant agencies to intensify public awareness, prevention, enforcement, rehabilitation and reintegration through collaboration among government, schools, families, communities and the church.
On Artificial Intelligence and moral challenges in the digital era, the synod called for ethical and lawful use of digital technologies, stressing that technological possibility does not constitute moral permissibility.
It urged individuals, families, educators, developers and government to uphold human dignity, critical thinking, moral responsibility, compassion, spiritual discernment and the common good.
On the 2027 general elections, the synod urged political parties to ensure that political differences do not degenerate into hatred, violence or breakdown of national unity.
It also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission and other relevant agencies to uphold transparency, neutrality and credibility in the conduct of the polls.
The communique concluded with a call on Nigerians to continue to thirst after God.
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