The Archbishop, Methodist Church Nigeria, Ibadan Diocese , Most Reverend Olumuyiwa Odejayi has urged the federal government to take deterministic steps to roll out policies and programmes that will promote both local and foreign investment .
Odejayi noted that such measures if taken will help in creating an enabling business environment in the country.
The Archbishop said this on Friday during the 62nd Annual Synod of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Ibadan held on Friday at Methodist Church, Bodija , Ibadan.
According to him , the economic challenges being faced in the country has led to an increase in loss of jobs , high cost of commodities,
Adding that efforts must be made to encourage and promote Small and Medium Enterprises
“ It is no longer news of the various economic challenges facing our nation and the reality of battling high cost of commodities in the market. There has been an increase in the loss of jobs as many manufacturing companies fold-up or relocate to other neighbouring countries.
“Other factors have included corruption at different levels of governance and institutions, high exchange rate, high cost of raw materials, epileptic power supply, inadequate infrastructural facilities, etc. the recent free-fall of Naira against the US dollar has further compounded the economic crisis in Nigeria.
“This has caused a sharp rise of inflation rate. The government must take deterministic steps to roll out policies and programmes that will promote both local and foreign investment by creating an enabling business environment. This will increase production, which consequently will have a positive effect on the economy.
“Conceited efforts to encourage and promote Small and Medium Enterprises should be taken and not the hitherto lip service given to this sector. Creation of jobs through quality education on entrepreneurial skills and subsequent establishment of the trainees will further enhance our economic fortunes.
Also speaking at the event, Chief launcher of the event, Olumide Oyediran explained that the event is an annual gathering meant to talk about the word of God and how to move the country forward
He said “This event is a gathering to talk about the word of God and how to move the country forward, it is an event I am happy to be part of and look forward to attending many more synods
“Looking at the economic hardship I think the federal government is doing the right thing to restore the economy of the country, we have previously had many years of bad government,it is a welcome development that we have a government that is putting us back on the right track , this government am sure will do its bit, because he has started on a good note “, he concluded.
