Hardship: Christian leaders urge govts to address challenges in country

‘Overcoming economic reality is collective responsibility’

Christian leaders have called on both the federal and state governments to address the pressing economic challenges and insecurity in the country. Prelate of Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim (ESOCS), Dr David Bob-Manuel, who spoke during a media briefing on the seventh induction anniversary and media launch of the ESOCS centenary celebration, at the weekend, lamented that the skyrocketed prices of food and fares have made lives of the vulnerable miserable.
He, however, lamented that kidnappings, banditry and conflict between farmers and herders have made citizens live in fear.

Also, amid the current hardship in the country, Nigerians have been urged to be intentional about helping the less privileged to alleviate their standard of living.

Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr Rotimiolu Akinlesi, who advised during the Encouragement Initiative (EI) Academy’s second biennial alumni conference held in Ijebu-Ode, said there is a need for collective efforts and work towards creating an environment that promotes effective collaboration to tackle the current economic challenge impacting many households in the country.

The Prelate, therefore, implored the federal and state governments to urgently implement a social welfare scheme that would protect the vulnerable population from the impact of fuel price hikes.

This, he said, might be in the form of the provision of subsidies for essential goods and improved transportation systems, fertilisers to farmers, and monetary transfers to the aged and vulnerable.

Bob-Manuel, who tasked governments on the need to deplore modern technology to fight criminals, also urged them to equip the youths with relevant skills for the job market.

Also, President, Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel ChukwudumebiOkoh, challenged government officials to desist from falsehood and begin to always tell Nigerians the truth. He also urged church leaders, parents, teachers, guidance and counsellors to muster the courage to speak the truth to everybody no matter whose ox is gored.

The Founder, Wellness African Foundation (WAF), Akintunde Akinmolayan, while delivering his lecture at the conference with the theme, ”Strategising for Charitable Impact in a Challenging Economy,” noted that the current economic challenges in the country were not just peculiar to Nigeria but a global one, and as such, individuals and non-governmental organisations should not be caught in the web of drowning, rather a different approach must be employed in handling the economic reality of the country instead of opting for quick fixes that are not suitable for the period.