The Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr Oliver Ali Aba, has urged the Federal Government to urgently tackle insecurity, inflation and the rising cost of living, stressing that protecting the lives and property of citizens remains a fundamental responsibility of government.

Aba made the call on Wednesday while delivering his address at the opening session of the 50th/15th Biennial Conference of the Methodist Church Nigeria, held at Bashmol Event Centre, Ibadan.

The conference, attended by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi; and about 1,000 delegates, ministers, lay members and guests from Nigeria and the diaspora, has as its theme: “I WILL FIGHT FOR YOU” — Exodus 14:14.

Linking the theme to the security challenges confronting the country, the Prelate said faith must be accompanied by action, particularly in the face of banditry, kidnapping and killings in several parts of the country.

He cited Borno, Benue and Plateau states, where he said banditry had disrupted farming, displaced communities and worsened food insecurity.

“I am using this medium to call on the Federal Government to rise up to one of her primary responsibilities of securing human lives and property,” Aba said.

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He also called on governments at all levels to stop paying ransom to kidnappers, warning that such payments could further encourage criminal activities.

The Prelate welcomed the rescue of the 46 victims abducted in Oriire, Oyo State, but expressed sadness over the killing of two victims, Michael Oladokun and John Ola, by their abductors.

Speaking on the economy, Aba described 2026 as another challenging year for Nigerians, urging the government to take decisive measures to address inflation, the declining value of the naira and the high cost of energy.

“MCN joins others in appealing to the Federal Government of Nigeria to meaningfully address inflation, and the free-fall of our national currency, the Naira, alongside the unrealistic determination of the cost of energy,” he said.

Aba further urged leaders at the federal, state and local government levels to make personal sacrifices and remain accountable to the people, stressing that governments must not abdicate the responsibilities for which they were elected.

He also challenged Christians to make their faith practical by combining prayers with responsible citizenship and demanding accountability from those in authority.

“For a country Nigeria that operates a type of representative democracy, governments at the local, state and federal levels must ensure citizens are protected and our lands secured,” he said.

The Prelate also highlighted Oyo State’s historical significance as the centre of the ancient Oyo Empire and its contribution to Nigeria’s development, including the presence of the first television station in Africa and the Ado Awaye Suspended Lake, one of only two of its kind in the world.