By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Bishop, Ibadan North Anglican Diocese, Rt. Reverend Williams Aladekugbe has urged Nigerians to adopt cost cutting measures as a way of addressing the current economic challenges in the country.
This is as he also appealed to the federal government to make good is electioneering campaign promises of making life more better for the people.
The cleric made the call on Monday while fielding questions from reporters during a press conference to announce lined up activities to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Ibadan North Diocese at the Bishop’s Court, Moyede Estate, Akobo, Ibadan.
He was accompanied by his wife, Engineer Catherine, the Provost of the Cathedral, Very Reverend Samuel Olawoyin, Archdeacon, Senior Cleric, members of the Dioceasan Board, Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Major Samuel Popoola among others.
Speaking, Bishop Aladekugbe said even the Church has had to adopt some cost saving measures in its approach so as to ease the burden of expenses urging the people not to go beyond their means in a bid to have a merry festivity.
He said “The current economic situation demands that the generality of the people must remain focus and not dabble into crimes. People must begin to cultivate available farmlands so that we can plant and grow what we eat to save cost.
“Every family should think of what they can do on their own rather than always waiting for the government to provide all solutions. We should cut down on what we do now.
“As a Diocese, we are also cutting down on our cost by adopting the use of electronic means in the place of printing hard copies of minutes and reports.
“In whatever way people can cut down cost, people should do so and use the rest on immediate and more important things. We must avoid frivolities and unnecessary things and live according to the dictates of the time.”
Counseling the government, the Bishop said “Government must be sincere with the people. Government too must cut down expenses, be considerate in their policies, actions and decisions by doing what they preach.
“Frivolous spending should be avoided. Our appeal to Mr President is that he should fulfil his campaign promises to us. He told us to put our mind to rest that everything will be fine. We are waiting and optimistic and they should not take us for granted. Our government at all levels and political leaders must put the people first in their actions.”
Speaking on the activities to mark the 25th Anniversary, Bishop Aladekugbe who was enthroned barely a year ago and translated to Ibadan North Diocese said a whole lot had been achieved since the Diocese was inaugurated on December 14th, 1998.
He said the activities started on Sunday with the inauguration of the Agodi Archdeaconry while an ultra modern Bishops Court, Conference room and other buildings would be commissioned on Thursday.
Other programmes outlined for the weeklong celebration that will run from Sunday, December 10 -17 includes: four days open air crusade, community hymn singing, women day, awards to eminent personalities, both living and dead, investiture of Fellow of the Diocese with thanksgiving service to peak the event on Sunday.
Bishop Aladekugbe who is the second to occupy the seat of the Diocesan since the Diocese was inaugurated said the Diocese in the last 25years had grown in leaps and bounds with about 260 churches, over a hundred priests who have been up and doing in training and teaching people in doing what is right in the state.
He added that the Diocese has also been contributing to the socio-economic development of the state through empowering of clergies, women, youths and less privileged through employment as well as payment of taxes to government coffers.
The Cleric said it has given one of its finest resources and member in the person of Governor Seyi Makinde to serve as the governor of the state in the last five years.
