The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Alfred Martins has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and different Nigerian leaders to prioritise tackling the issue of starvation, poverty, joblessness, and different financial hardships Nigerians face.
Archbishop Martins disclosed this in his Christmas message signed by Reverend Father Anthony Godonu, the director of social communications on the Archdiocese of Lagos.
In line with him, Nigerian leaders ought to be extra delicate to listening to the yearnings of the individuals amid the financial hardship.
This comes because the archbishop harassed the pressing want for a greater enabling surroundings to permit companies to thrive in a bid to cut back the excessive charge of unemployment and the grinding poverty within the land.
“Even within the face of insurance policies which are deemed to have constructive leads to the long run, such because the removing of gas subsidies, the floating of the naira, and the brand new tax reform initiative, governments should be sure that the quick welfare of individuals just isn’t uncared for however factored into the planning and execution of such insurance policies.
“That is vital if the individuals for whom the insurance policies are being made are to not die earlier than the constructive outcomes start to manifest. On the similar time, authorities spending have to be prudent and compassionate. As well as, it’s essential to pay extra consideration to the agricultural sector in order that meals safety might be ensured for general profit”.
Prelate additional described very unhappy and miserable, the current lack of a number of lives of harmless Nigerians in Ibadan, Abuja and Anambra of their quest to entry meals palliatives owing to pervading starvation throughout the nation.
He mentioned it was worrisome that many Nigerians now discover it troublesome to buy requirements of life, particularly throughout this festive season that ought to be a interval of merriment, sharing of affection, meals, and different necessities, that are the hallmarks of the Christmas season.
As an answer, to stop the ugly incidents, the Bishop urged governments, at each the federal and state ranges, in addition to the legislative assemblies, to establish and shortly repair the loopholes within the polity which are accountable for the large poverty and hardship that Nigerians are dealing with.
He advocated the appraisal of the nation’s present legal guidelines and the enactment and enforcement of solely proactive insurance policies that will open the enterprise surroundings, entice buyers, and create extra jobs in order that the residents can afford their primary wants fairly than depend upon palliatives that provide solely short-term aid.
The Prelate urged substantial investments within the agricultural sector of the economic system to make sure the provision of primary foodstuffs, thereby decreasing the excessive price of important meals objects like rice, beans, onions, and grains.
“If residents have meals of their properties, individuals won’t endanger their lives whereas scrambling for palliatives in the way in which it occurred.” Whereas praying for the souls of those that died within the current stampedes in elements of the nation, he additionally commiserated with those that misplaced their family members, praying that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, would convey solace to the troubled, consolation to the grieving, and hope to the despairing.
“This particular season reminds us of the profound love of God, who despatched His solely Son to redeem humanity. Might the sunshine of Christ illuminate our lives, dispel darkness, and fill our hearts with love, compassion, and kindness. As we collect with household and associates, allow us to not neglect those that are much less lucky, the susceptible, and the marginalised. Might our celebration be a catalyst for acts of charity, generosity, and solidarity.”
DAILY POST experiences that meals stampedes in Abuja, Oyo, and Anambra States led to the demise of over 70 individuals.
