The Bishop of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Ado Ekiti, Rt. Rev. Abidemi Shittu, has urged the Nigerian government to embrace renewable energy solutions such as solar and wind power to address the country’s worsening electricity crisis.
Speaking during the third annual Synod of the diocese held in Opopogboro, Ado Ekiti, on Saturday, Shittu lamented that Nigeria’s inadequate and unreliable power supply is crippling daily life and stifling economic growth.
“The inadequate and unreliable power supply is directly hindering our day-to-day lives, stifling economic growth and impeding national development,” the bishop said.
“Businesses struggle to operate, leading to reduced production and hindering job creation.”He called for urgent investments in alternative energy sources through public-private partnerships, which he said could attract innovation and funding into the sector.
“Nigeria must actively engage in genuine public-private partnerships to attract the necessary investment and promote innovation and technological advancements in the energy sector,” he added.
Shittu also used the occasion to highlight broader national concerns, including inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and poor infrastructure, urging the government to diversify the economy and improve governance.
“Reducing corruption and significantly improving governance are absolutely essential steps to attract both domestic and foreign direct investments and spur the sustained economic growth necessary to lift our people out of poverty,” he said.
The bishop commended Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for recent reforms in the state’s power sector, including efforts at privatisation, but called for proper oversight to ensure transparency and success.
The Diocese’s Lay President, Sir Olajide Borode, echoed the bishop’s sentiments and called on citizens to support government efforts by obeying laws and assisting security agencies. “We as good citizens have to play our part by abiding by the laws of the land, giving timely information to security agents, because the issue of security concerns every citizen,” Borode stated.
Also speaking at the event, the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye—represented by Princess Iyabo Fakunle-Okhiemen—urged the church to continue praying for the governor and Nigeria at large.
“Our governor is doing well, please continue to pray for him. Then, Nigeria as a country, we need serious prayers,” Aribasoye said.The event also featured a keynote address from Prof. Abiodun Ojo of Afe Babalola University, who urged the church to lead by example in combating corruption and promoting development.
“The church must be a catalyst for change. We must invest in youth empowerment, support the needy and promote social justice to reflect Christ’s life in action,” Ojo said.
