The 34th Synod of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Remo, was held at Methodist Church Nigeria, Itun-Iwaye, Ilisan Remo Circuit, Ogun State.
It was presided over by the Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. J. M. Bamidele Ibikunle, with support from the Diocesan Lay President, Sir Akinola Soname, and Synod Secretary, Very Rev. Jacob Ayedona.
The event brought together 272 delegates, including 58 clergy and 214 lay members, along with a host of dignitaries from the church and wider society.
Notable attendees included Ogun State governor’s wife, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun and her delegation of special advisers, whose presence was widely lauded as a sign of the state government’s support for the church and its role in community development.
Also in attendance were prominent church leaders like The Most Rev. Adegbemi Adewale, Archbishop of RIYE Archdiocese; Rt. Rev. S. A. Adegbite, Bishop of Ijebu Diocese; Rt. Rev. Charles Adeniyi, Bishop of Yewa Diocese; Rt. Rev. Amos Ogunrinde, Bishop of Remo Central; Rt Rev Babatunde Ogunbanwo, Bishop Ijebu Southwest (Anglican Communion) and representatives of the Anglican Communion, including the Lord Bishop of Remo Anglican Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. M. Olusina Fape.
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The Synod’s theme: ‘He Will Rise Again’ (John 11:23), was inspired by a deep reflection on Nigeria’s current socio-economic challenges and served as a message of hope and spiritual resilience to citizens grappling with hardship.
In its official communiqué, the Synod expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Ogun State Government, led by Governor Dapo Abiodun, in national development, peace-building, education, health care and religious tolerance.
Special commendation was given for the development of Ogun State International Cargo Airport and the restoration of security around the Sagamu interchange.
In the spirit of nation-building, the Synod offered recommendations to both levels of government.
These included calls for increased investment in education and health care, especially in rural and underserved areas; support for religious institutions in their social welfare efforts; and enhanced collaboration between government and faith-based organisations to promote justice, reconciliation and peace.
The Synod also addressed a broad range of national issues:
State of the Nation. While commending ongoing development, it urged the Federal Government to tackle economic hardship, inflation and poverty, especially at the grassroots.
Democracy and Governance: The Synod raised concerns over democratic erosion in states like Rivers, calling for constitutional safeguards and collective action to restore democratic norms.
National Security: It acknowledged improvements in security but emphasised the need for stronger measures against religiously motivated violence and farmer-herder conflicts.
Digital Fraud: The Synod condemned the collapse of platforms like CBEX, urging stricter regulation of online trading and legal action against scammers.
Health Awareness: Citizens were advised to prioritise their mental and physical health and reduce reliance on foreign medical care.
Youth Unemployment: Highlighting the link between joblessness and social decay, the Synod pressed for urgent youth-centred employment policies.
Business Climate: Government was urged to provide better infrastructure, utilities and financial support to retain businesses and stimulate economic growth.
The Synod concluded with a strong call for renewed dedication to service, unity and community engagement by the church and the government. Church leaders reaffirmed their commitment to delivering impactful outreach through education, health care and social services. They emphasised that spiritual values such as love, peace and justice remain vital to addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
The 34th Synod ended with a unified resolve to deepen partnerships for national development and build a more just, equitable and prosperous society for all.