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Caption: Most Rev’d Daniel Abubakar Yisa Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lokoja
COMMUNIQUE
Introduction
The Synod opened with a Holy Communion Service at 10:00 am.It was Presided over by the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lokoja(Anglican)and Bishop of Minna Diocese-Most Rev’d Daniel Abubakar Yisa and assisted by Venerable Uriah Umaru of the Sauka-Kahuta District Church Council.The sermon was delivered by the Guest Preacher -the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Oyo -Rt.Rev.Dr.Olugbenga Oduntan.who dwelt on the theme of the Synod -“The Missional Church and the Limping Christian Leader:Turning your struggles into strength.”-a theme that resonated deeply with the current state of both the Church and the nation.His sermon emphasised the concept of a Missional Church,which is outward-focused and actively reaches out with the message of Christ to engage with individuals who are not familiar with Christianity.It highlighted that Christianity historically brought about advancements in agriculture,education,and health, serving as avenues through which the gospel was introduced to people.The narrative included the idea that individuals involved in missionary work were not merely professionals but also messengers of the gospel.Furthermore,the sermon acknowledged that Christian leadership is not immune to challenges and setbacks.These challenges can manifest in various forms such as moral dilemmas, emotional struggles,health issues,financial difficulties,and marital problems.Additionally,there may be spiritual attacks from unseen realms.However,it suggested that these challenges can serve as stepping stones for personal growth and spiritual development.The speaker emphasised that God has a way of humbling individuals to redirect their focus and dependence on Him during times of adversity.Drawing an analogy to having a physical limp,the sermon encouraged submission to God in order to become a source of blessing to others.It underscored the idea that it is more beneficial to embrace one’s weaknesses and rely on God rather than striving for perfection or self-sufficiency.In
conclusion,the sermon urged Church leaders to surrender their will,life,and Ministry to God, assuring them that despite any past shortcomings or mistakes,God’s covenant for their lives will be
fulfilled.
The Archbishop presented his Presidential Address in which he emphasised that limping should not be a barrier to missionary work stating that you can work on your shortcomings and develop your gifing but you will still limp in some way,enduring thorns but nevertheless called by God.He buttressed this point with convincing evidences from both the Old and New Testament Bible characters beginning from Job,to Moses,David and Solomon to Peter,Barnabas and Paul.
t he Archbishop sounded a note of caution that all these examples ended favourably,this is not to say that we should pursue moral failure in order to qualify for gospel leadership.
The opening ceremony was graced by Bishop of Oyo Diocese,Bishop of Doko Diocese,Pastor Yerima El-Samaila former CAN Chairman,Niger.Pastor Emmanuel Kolo,General Overscer Nupe Calvary Church.Minna and Rev.Father Thaddeus Umaru Vicar-General Catholic Diocese of Minna representing the Catholic Bishop of Minna Others were Mrs Elizabcth Lami Shaba Honourable Conmissioner,Small-Scale and Micro Enterprises.Also in attendance were Dr.Joseph James Kolo, Permanent Secretary Office of the Head of Service,Niger State,and Dr.Jonathan Wasa,Permanent Secretary,Ministry of Education.Goodwill Messages.were received from these dignitaries.
Synod’s observations and Recommendations
The Church and Christians
i. The Synod empathises with Christian leaders,who may at times feel weak or
discouraged,in the course of their pastoral duties and admonished them to remain steadfast in their faith and continue to serve as examples of God’s love and grace.
ii. The Synod underscores the importance of Christians and Christian leaders to see their struggles as opportunities for growth and to always remember that we are all works in progress,and it is through our trials that we can become stronger in faith and mission.
iii. The Synod encourages all Christians to be disciplers,spreading God’s word through our actions and deeds noting that in today’s world,where many people are
searching for meaning and purpose,our witness as Christians can make a
significant impact on those around us noting that our landis hungry for hope and redemption
iv. The Synod advocates strongly the importance of unity within the Church community emphasising that by coming together in love and support,we can create a strong
foundation for sharing God’s love with others.
The State of the Nation
The Synod observes the:
i. High-level corruption that is keeping the citizens of this country perpetually below the poverty line and undermining citizens’trust in the government.
ii. Persistent Security challenges despite efforts to address them,causing fear and instability among citizens.
iii. The economic crisis resulting from the removal of petrol and energy subsidies that has led to rising poverty levels,making it increasingly difficult for many families to make ends meet and businesses suffocating.
iv. Power supply problems that continue to plague the Country in spite of regular tariff increases thus hindering development efforts and making daily life
challenging for millions of people.
V. Unemployment that has remained a significant concern.
The Synod therefore recommends that:
1. As citizens we should hold ourselves and our leaders accountable for their
actions to promote transparency and fairness.
ii. We must work together to find lasting solutions to these issues through
dialogue,collaboration,and understanding between different communities and
iii. Ic that we prioritize policies aimed at reducinginequality ant
providing support for those most affected by these changes.
iv. The government and the stakeholders should speedily conclude the process of enacting a new national minimum LIVING wage for workers.
V. Regulated Public-Private Investment in renewable energy sources and infrastructure improvements is necessary to ensure reliable access to electricity for all citizens.
vi. Policymakers must focus on creating jobs through targeted investments in
industries with high growth potential while also addressing skills gaps through education initiatives that prepare workers for future opportunities.
Niger State
The Synod acknowledges and values the Niger State Governor’s purposive leadership, particularly in embarking on massive and significant urban renewal projects in the State Capital,Minna,innovative developmental initiatives in other cities and impactful agricultural and rural development projects throughout the State.However,Synod observes the seemingly unabated security challenges,especially,banditry in the State and rising thuggery in the State Capital,as these threats can undermine the ability of the population to fully benefit from these advancements.The Synods notes that without physical security, there will be no food security and heavy investments in physical projects without commensurate investments in citizens’welfare can only lead to increased poverty.The Synod therefore calls on the State government to strike a balance between infrastructure development and social welfare initiatives to ensure sustainable development and re- double efforts to curb threats that can impede progress in the State,The Synod prays against abandoned projects and for wisdom for the State Governor and his Cabinet.
BARR.SAMUEL
N.MAMMAN
VEN.DANIEL
S.YISA
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