Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State says improved productivity in various sectors of the economy will help the country to achieve economic prosperity.

To reduce the pervading social vices in the country, Aregbesola also said there was a need to engage young minds in wealth creation and promote dignity of labour.

The governor spoke against the backdrop of the myriads of economic challenges and social vices affecting the country.

Aregbesola, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori, spoke at the third session of the 9th Synod of the Diocese of Ife, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, held in Ayetoro, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The governor urged religious leaders to inculcate in youths the virtues of discipline, industry and patriotism.

Aregbesola said, “We are in a challenging time in which productivity and hard work will be the basis of individual and state sustenance. Young people in particular should be taught the virtue of hard work and wealth creation.

“There is a phenomenon sweeping through the land, from the East to the West; from the North to the South. A lot of people are looking for a shortcut to wealth leading them to commit ritual killings, kidnapping for ransom, banditry and other violent crimes. A lot of young people have taken to Internet crimes and advance fee fraud at an alarming rate. The church should play the role of letting people know that work is the antidote to poverty.”

The Bishop of Ife, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Olubunmi Akinlade,  and the former Diocesan Bishop of Ife, Rt. Rev. Olubunmi Odubogun, urged the Federal Government to promote peace and secure lives and properties.

They noted that economic prosperity could only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace of security.

According to the duo, volatile security situation can adversely affect government revenue and economic prosperity if not addressed properly.

The guest preacher at the synod, the Bishop of the Diocese of Jebba, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Sunday Adewole, urged the Federal Government to address the various challenges facing the country as soon as possible.