The Bishop of Ijumu Anglican Diocese, Church of Nigeria, the Right Reverend Paul Olanrewaju Ojo, has called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in their faith in God, expressing optimism that the security challenges confronting the country can be overcome.
Bishop Ojo made the call during the just-concluded First Session of the Fifth Synod of the Diocese, held at Ogale-Idioro in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The Synod, themed “Thanksgiving,” brought together church leaders, delegates and members to deliberate on spiritual and developmental issues affecting the Diocese and society.
In his presidential charge, the Bishop emphasized the importance of thanksgiving, noting that gratitude to God remains a pathway to receiving greater blessings despite prevailing challenges.
Speaking on national issues, Bishop Ojo urged Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and allow the government more time to implement its development agenda.
According to him, President Tinubu assumed office with a clearly defined vision for governance, particularly in the areas of education and economic reforms.
The cleric commended initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a landmark programme designed to expand access to tertiary education for Nigerian students.
He stated that while he was not speaking as a politician, his position as a church leader and an educated citizen compelled him to acknowledge the administration’s efforts and encourage Nigerians to be patient with ongoing reforms.
Bishop Ojo also highlighted the developmental strides of the Diocese, particularly in agriculture and education. He disclosed that shortly after assuming office, the Diocese launched agricultural projects, including the planting of 1,000 palm trees on church-owned land.
He added that the Diocese subsequently expanded into the education sector, establishing nursery, primary and secondary schools to prepare young people for the future.
The Bishop revealed that construction work is progressing steadily on the proposed Ijumu Anglican College of Nursing Sciences, Ogidi, and appealed to well-meaning individuals and organizations to support the project.
According to him, the institution is designed primarily to empower the girl-child through quality education and professional training. He noted that the college will include a School of Midwifery and other health-related programmes.
Bishop Ojo further disclosed that the Diocese plans to upgrade the institution into a University of Nursing Sciences once it becomes fully operational.
The Provost of Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa, Dr. Paul Femi Fashagba, commended the Anglican Church for its contributions to peace, education and national development.
Also speaking, the Ologale of Ogale, Oba Abdulrahman Ibilola, expressed delight that his community hosted the Synod for the first time since the creation of the Diocese, describing the event as a significant milestone for the area.
