The economic distress and its resultant hunger and starvation sweeping across Nigeria have stirred the ire of Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo, the Bishop on the Niger of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion. Speaking out against the prevailing hardships, he urged the Federal Government to swiftly intervene and reverse this alarming trend.
In his Presidential Address delivered during the ongoing Third Session of the 32nd Synod of the Diocese at St. Christopher’s Anglican Church, Odakpu, the Bishop expressed deep concern over the sharp rise in prices of essential food items, rendering them inaccessible to the average Nigerian. He underscored the grim reality that hunger and starvation now afflict households nationwide, leading to a distressing surge in diseases and fatalities among fellow citizens.
Highlighting the economic downturn since the withdrawal of petroleum subsidies, Rt. Rev. Nwokolo emphasized how this decision plunged the nation into unprecedented economic hardship. He urged the National Assembly and the President to take urgent action, warning of the dire consequences if the situation persists unchecked.
Expressing profound concern over the enduring insecurity plaguing the nation, the Bishop questioned the effectiveness of security measures, suggesting that vested interests may be hindering meaningful resolution. He decried the senseless violence perpetrated by lawless groups, which has led to unabated bloodshed and displacement of innocent Nigerians.
Raising alarm over the security crisis impeding food production in key agricultural regions, Bishop Nwokolo urged decisive government intervention to safeguard these vital areas. He called upon the National Assembly and the President to utilize the nation’s military capabilities effectively to restore peace and stability.
Among the dignitaries were the Archbishop of Province of Niger Province and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, the immediate past Bishop on the Niger, the Rt Rev Ken Sandy Okeke, the immediate past Bishop of the Diocese of Nnewi, the Rt Rev Prof Godwin Okpala, the Bishop of Ohaji/Egbema Diocese, the Rt Rev Dr Chidi Oparaojiaku, the Bishop of Oji River Diocese, the Rt Rev. Dr Ikechukwu Egbonu, the immediate past Bishop of Ihiala Diocese, Rt Rev. Raphael Okafor, the former Provost of All Saints Cathedral, Ven. Dr Emma Ekpunobi, the Vice Chancellor, University on the Niger, the Very Rev Prof Chinedu Nebo among others.
In sum, Bishop Nwokolo’s address served as a clarion call for urgent action to address the twin crises of economic hardship and insecurity, urging government intervention to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians and restore peace and prosperity to the nation.
