In order to combat the widespread hunger in Nigeria, the Primate of the Church of the Lord Worldwide and President of the World Council of Churches from Africa, Rufus Ositelu, has called on the government to invest more in agriculture.
The cleric gave the advice in his message to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebration.
Speaking against the backdrop of the hunger protests that rocked the country recently, the cleric said that the recent hunger protests that have gripped our nation are a sombre reminder of the deep economic challenges that many citizens are facing.
He added that; “These protests, while a cry for help, also represent a clarion call for urgent and comprehensive action. We must acknowledge that the root causes of these protests are intertwined with broader economic difficulties. I urge the government at all levels to continually address the systemic issues that lead to poverty and hunger.
“It is imperative that we— government, citizens, private sector and civil society organisations— work together to create sustainable solutions that will ensure that no one goes to bed hungry.
According to him, investing in agriculture and mineral resources, and creating an enabling environment for employment opportunities; as well as improving supply chains, and providing support for the most vulnerable in society are germane.
Ositelu also noted that the upward review of the minimum wage to N70,000 was a step in the right direction “Considering the current economic conditions, inflation and the rising cost of living.”
He emphasised that the new wage would uplift the citizenry and protect the dignity of labour while fostering economic growth and stability.
He also called on the Federal Government to review and strengthen its security apparatus, while also addressing the root causes of violence.