Catholic Priest and Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry, Enugu (AMEN), Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, has cried out over the rising cost of living, asking Nigerians to pray more to avert a famine crisis.

Mbaka stated that the federal government should immediately address the escalating increase in pump price of petrol products to address rising hunger

Mbaka stated while commissioning a filling station “Blessed Omemma Oil and Gas Limited” in Abakpa, Enugu East Local Government Area, Enugu State, that the country is currently facing a state of hunger, which, if not addressed, could lead to a major catastrophe.

He also urged Nigerians to be proactive with their finances by investing in production rather than keeping their money in banks. He said that money kept in banks will continue to depreciate.

Mbaka reiterated that the government is aware of the necessary measures to combat the fuel price hike but called for prayers to resolve the crisis.

According to Mbaka, “All I can say is that we needed more prayers for Nigeria to be well. For my own angle, I am a spiritual man but I want to tell you that we need more prayers.

“If we are not careful, what we are passing through now as the hunger stage will soon snowball into the famine stage. That’s why I pray that whatever we can do to invest our money, do it, don’t keep it in the bank because it will keep devaluing.

“So, the government knows what they can do about the fuel hike, it’s not a thing of advice to them. One solution from them will conquer these maladies and toxic situations.

“The government is aware of what to do to salvage the situation. The pump price is a major problem and that is why I said the government knows what to do. We need more prayers”.

Mbaka, who commended Ukaigwe for setting up the oil and gas stations stated that he has contributed to solving unemployment and providing food for families and urged other Igbo investors to emulate him.

Chairman of the Independent Petrol Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Enugu Unit Depot, Chinedu Anyaso commended the owner of the facility, Chief Mathias Ukaigwe for erecting such edifice, which he said has provided employment opportunities to the youths.

He also stated that the station would help in solving the issue of the supply and availability of petroleum products around the Abakpa axis.

“It’s a welcome development as we are witnessing another grand opening of the filling station. It serves as a means of creating employment for our youths. It is equally a way of contributing to the economy of both state and federal governments.

“This filling station will help to make the product available and accessible for the people of Enugu East Local Government and the entire Enugu State.”