Methodist Church Nigeria Diocese of Lagos Mainland has called on President Bola Tinubu to address the rising cost of food and economic hardship affecting millions of Nigerians.

It also urged the President to increase local food production, stabilise prices, as well as intensify support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The church, arising from its 31st yearly synod, held at the Imota Circuit under the leadership of Bishop of the Diocese, The Most Rev. Obafemi Adeleye and Diocesan Lay President, Sir Olusola Adu, however, acknowledged the bold reforms initiated under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at repositioning the nation.

The diocese, in a communique, also expressed deep concern over the continued insecurity across the country.

It, therefore, called on government authorities to intensify intelligence-driven security operations, strengthen community policing, and ensure justice for the victims.

In alignment with its conference themed: “He Will Rise Again,” the church urged Christians to put their trust in the saving grace of Jesus Christ, adding that the body of Christ should not dwell on past failures or uncertainties but look forward with optimism, focus and renewed commitment to God’s work.

It also underscored youth empowerment and development as a strategic investment in the future of the church and the society.

The diocese, which encouraged active collaboration with the Lagos State Government and other relevant agencies by ensuring that young ones take full advantage of available training and empowerment opportunities to excel, said that partnership between the church and the state is a vital pathway to nurturing responsible, skilled and spiritually grounded leaders of tomorrow.

The church commended Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his developmental efforts and significant strides in sectors, such as healthcare, education, transportation, and roads, among others.

It, therefore, stressed that more efforts should be made in combating environmental degradation, thereby reducing pressure on public infrastructure; empowering vulnerable groups through welfare programmes; and expanding public-private partnerships for effective job creation and sustainable service delivery.