The 34th Synod of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Remo, took place at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Itun-Iwaye, Ilisan Remo Circuit, in Ogun State.

The event was led by the Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. J. M. Bamidele Ibikunle, alongside the Diocesan Lay President, Sir Akinola Soname, and Synod Secretary, Very Rev. Jacob Ayedona.

A total of 272 delegates attended, including 58 clergy and 214 lay members, with numerous dignitaries from both the church and broader community in attendance.
Notable attendees at the 34th Synod included Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, the wife of Ogun State Governor, who was accompanied by a delegation of special advisers. Her presence was widely praised as a clear indication of the state government's support for the church and its pivotal role in community development.

The event also saw the participation of prominent church leaders such as The Most Rev. Adegbemi Adewale, Archbishop of the 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 of Ijebu Southwest (Anglican Communion); and representatives of the Anglican Communion, including the Lord Bishop of Remo Anglican Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. M. Olusina Fape.

The theme of the Synod, "He Will Rise Again" (John 11:23), resonated deeply, reflecting on Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges while offering a message of hope and spiritual resilience to citizens facing hardship.

In its official communiqué, the Synod expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Ogun State Government, led by Governor Dapo Abiodun, for their contributions to national development, peace-building, education, healthcare, and religious tolerance. Special recognition was given to the development of the Ogun State International Cargo Airport and the restoration of security around the Sagamu interchange.

In the spirit of nation-building, the Synod made several recommendations to both the federal and state governments. These included calls for greater investment in education and healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved areas; enhanced support for religious institutions’ social welfare initiatives; and stronger collaboration between government and faith-based organizations to promote justice, reconciliation, and peace.

The Synod also tackled a wide range of national issues:

State of the Nation: While acknowledging ongoing development, the Synod urged the Federal Government to address economic hardships, inflation, and poverty, particularly at the grassroots level.

Democracy and Governance: The Synod expressed concerns over the erosion of democratic values in states like Rivers and called for constitutional safeguards and collective action to restore democratic norms.

National Security: While noting improvements in security, the Synod emphasized the need for stronger measures to combat religiously motivated violence and farmer-herder conflicts.

Digital Fraud: The Synod condemned the collapse of platforms like CBEX and called for stricter regulation of online trading, as well as legal action against scammers.

Health Awareness: The Synod urged citizens to prioritize their mental and physical health and reduce reliance on foreign medical care.

Youth Unemployment: Pointing out the connection between unemployment and social decay, the Synod called for urgent youth-centered employment policies.

Business Climate: The Synod urged the government to improve 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, both by the church and the government. Church leaders reaffirmed their commitment to making a significant impact through education, healthcare, and social services. They stressed that spiritual values such as love, peace, and justice are essential in addressing Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.

The 34th Synod ended with a collective commitment to strengthen partnerships for national development and work towards a more just, equitable, and prosperous society for all.