Methodist Synod Blames Incessant Suicides On Poverty

The leadership of the lay members and clergy of Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Ijesa North, has blamed the frequent suicides in the country on abject poverty ravaging the country, calling on President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action on poverty alleviation, security and heritage protection.

The synod in a communiqué signed by Rt. Rev. Timothy Olatunji, Diocesan Bishop, and Very Rev. Sunday O. Ajiboye, Synod Secretary during the 13th Synod of Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Ijesa North emphasised the need to address critical national and local issues affecting the country.

The synod that held at Methodist Church Nigeria, Iloko Ijesa, themed, “He shall rise again”, brought together church leaders and members to deliberate on matters affecting the church, Ijesaland, and the nation.

They expressed concern over rising levels of poverty in the country and urged the government to give more attention to reducing poverty across Nigeria.

The synod congratulated His Imperial Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup Ajimoko III, Owa Obokun Adimula and paramount ruler of Ijesaland, on his historic ascension to the throne of his forebears.
The synod strongly condemned the attempt by certain individuals to take over the Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa, describing it as a legacy of the Methodist people.

They urged the relevant authorities to construct a well-equipped Federal Medical Centre in Ilesa to serve the community with advanced health care services.

The synod also highlighted the decline in family values and urged for the strengthening of the family unit in order to restore virtues such as diligence, honesty, and sexual discipline.