Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has blamed the growing hunger across Nigeria on persistent herdsmen activities and terrorism.

The Governor lamented that bandits have continued to attack farmers, making it difficult for them to engage in productive farm work.

Governor Fubara, however, challenged the church, as a critical partner of the government, to support all efforts at peace-building by preaching peace to congregants so that development efforts can genuinely yield dividends in Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole.

Governor Fubara gave the charge while declaring open the 2025 Standing Committee Meeting of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt, Diocese of Niger Delta, Province of Niger Delta, on Wednesday.

The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, said the government alone cannot single-handedly tackle the plethora of socio-political and economic challenges without support from critical stakeholders like the church and urged them not to shy away from their roles.

The governor said, “The Church is the only place—even for those who are not committed Christians but somehow go to church—where, when they continue to hear the Word every day, they are compelled to change their ways.

“And in changing, this is one of the issues that was also mentioned here: to increase evangelism, to spread the Gospel, and to bring positive changes in our lives and environment.”

Fubara added that listening to the Presidential Address by the Primate, His Grace, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, highlighted a few issues that aligned with some key areas of his administration, particularly his commitment to creating a safer environment, ensuring quality healthcare delivery, and improving the welfare of the citizenry.

He said, “We have issues of hunger. The hunger is not because we are no longer doing agriculture, but because of insecurity. This is why we can no longer produce, at least, to feed ourselves.

“It is not that we don’t have good hospitals and good doctors, but because of the kind of services and poor welfare packages for our doctors. What we hear is that they are ‘japa-ing.’

“And when they go out, they are the best over there. So, we need to encourage good welfare for our people so that our healthcare can also compete favorably with any other place in the world.”

Governor Fubara said his administration has allocated N5 billion for youth development and assured them of continued support.

The Governor also thanked the leadership of the church for approving Rivers State as the host for the meeting at such a difficult time, emphasizing that it affirms that God is truly with his administration.

He added, “You can imagine what is happening spiritually when clergymen and their wives are here, offering prayers across Rivers State with the purpose of this meeting.

“Our duty today is to wish you well and also declare this Standing Committee Meeting open. We have also seen the magnitude of work ahead, which is why we are supporting the activities of the church for the year 2025 with the sum of N500 million.”

Call for a New National Constitution

In his Presidential Address, Archbishop, Metropolitan, and Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, explained the theme of the 2025 Standing Committee Meeting, “The Bond of Peace: The Core of the Life and Ministry of the Church” (Ephesians 4:3) anchoring on the redemptive work of God that provides salvation to believers to live in faith and unity.

Archbishop Ndukuba emphasized that all activities within the church must be carried out with due reverence to God, genuine love for one another, and fervent teaching of the true Word of God rather than traditions inherited from ancestors.

The Primate also spoke on the urgent need for a newly drafted National Constitution for Nigeria, one created by the citizens rather than merely amending a military-imposed constitution, which, he argued, has not provided the much-expected direction for Nigerians.

Archbishop Ndukuba advocated for the establishment of a National Reconciliation Commission to facilitate socio-political healing from past grievances, including Nigeria’s first coup, the civil war, and other national conflicts that continue to breed deep-rooted suspicion in the polity.

He said, “The issues of justice, equity, and equality of citizens in a free and democratic society remain critical issues that must be openly and frankly discussed, legislated, and implemented for the survival of this nation, Nigeria. We need the birth of a new Nigeria where no citizen is oppressed, but rather, everyone has the right to strive for a good life.”

Urgent Call to Address National Challenges

The Primate challenged the Federal Government to address the persistent insecurity in parts of the country, which has allowed bandits, terrorists, and other criminal elements to operate freely, causing killings, devastation, and fear. He stressed that every life is important.

Archbishop Ndukuba also highlighted the suffering of Nigerians due to growing inflation and soaring prices of basic food items in a fragile and uncertain economic environment, calling for immediate government intervention.

He urged the government to take a different approach in addressing the myriad problems facing ordinary Nigerians.
Bishop Oko-Jaja Appreciates Fubara’s Support

In his welcome address, the Bishop of the Niger Delta Diocese, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Oko-Jaja, expressed appreciation to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his administration’s massive support for the church and numerous people-centered policies and programmes aimed at improving the welfare of Rivers people.