The Bishop of the Anglican Missionary Diocese of Oyo South, Rt. Revd Olufemi Familoni has urged governments at all levels to prioritise the welfare of rural dwellers, warning that continued neglect of rural communities could intensify urban migration and create wider social and humanitarian challenges.
According to a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Sunday by the diocese, Familoni made the call at a one-day synod of the newly inaugurated diocese, held at the Cathedral Church of St John, Akinmoorin, Oyo State, with the theme “Behold, I will do a new thing.”
The pioneer bishop said the persistent lack of basic social amenities and economic opportunities in rural areas was driving young people to cities, a trend he noted was undermining productivity in rural communities and slowing overall socio-economic development.
The statement noted that while speaking on the responsibility of both the church and government in addressing the challenge, Familoni said, “Our focus as a diocese is to empower our people and give them sustainable means of support, so they can remain productive within their communities.
“Government must support this effort by providing basic amenities and infrastructure that will encourage youths to stay back and contribute to local development.”
He stressed that strengthening rural communities through deliberate investment in infrastructure, welfare and empowerment would not only reduce pressure on urban centres but also promote balanced national development.
The synod also featured the unveiling of the diocese’s vision and mission statements, its official logo, as well as the appointment of chaplains and other church officers.
Outlining the direction of the new diocese, Familoni said its mission was to build a Christ-centred, Spirit-filled and mission-driven church committed to the proclamation of the gospel.
He added that the vision would be pursued through evangelism and outreach programmes, structured liturgical worship, and the empowerment of both clergy and lay ministers to strengthen the church’s impact within and beyond its communities.
Rural-urban migration is a widely recognised socio-economic challenge in Nigeria, driven largely by disparities in infrastructure, basic services and economic opportunity between rural and urban areas.
Studies on migration in Nigeria have found that poverty, lack of social amenities, inadequate access to education and employment prospects in rural communities are major push factors prompting especially youths to relocate to urban centres in search of better conditions.
This demographic shift has negative implications for agricultural productivity, rural development and local labour supply, as farming households lose working-age members and rural economies struggle to sustain growth without adequate infrastructure and services.
