The Founder and General Overseer of Champions for Christ Chapel, Asaba, Delta State, Samuel Akpan-Isong, has distributed food items and cash to hundreds of vulnerable Nigerians.

The items included rice, garri, bread and noodles, while beneficiaries comprised widows, single mothers, the elderly and unemployed youths, many of whom, he said, are struggling with rising living costs.

Speaking during the humanitarian outreach in Asaba, the cleric urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take urgent and concrete steps to address worsening hardship across the country, saying Nigeria’s socio-economic conditions are deteriorating.

Akpan-Isong accused the Tinubu administration of paying “lip service” to critical national challenges, particularly insecurity, food shortages and economic instability.

He said the government’s response has failed to match the scale and urgency of the crisis, leaving millions of Nigerians in deepening poverty.

“People are crying. People are hungry. People are suffering and begging for food,” he said. “Many Nigerians appear fine during the day but cry at night. They cannot pay their rent. The middle class is collapsing under the weight of rising prices.”

Akpan-Isong said current economic policies are “oppressive to the common man,” adding that the rising cost of goods and services has eroded livelihoods nationwide.

He called on the President to “redeem his image” by prioritising policies that directly lower the cost of living and restore public confidence.

He also urged the President “not to lock his gates against the poor,” stressing the need for inclusive governance that reflects the struggles of everyday Nigerians.

The cleric further called for the appointment of “honest and capable individuals” into key positions, noting that leadership integrity is essential to reversing the country’s downward trend.

“It is time to tell ourselves the truth—Nigeria is in a total mess,” he said. “Mr President must be honest enough to do the needful and surround himself with people who can help tame this negative situation.”

He also raised concerns about Nigeria’s global standing, claiming the country is losing respect among the “committee of nations.”

While criticising political leadership, Akpan-Isong charged religious institutions to play a more active role in national development.

He urged churches to remain engaged in civic matters, while continuing to pray for those in authority and advocate responsible leadership.

“Having the right leaders is the only gateway to stabilising the nation,” he added.