Amid continuous calls and agitations of hunger facing the country and Nigerians, the federal government has been urged to address the situation and create sustainable solutions to ensure that no Nigerian goes hungry.
The Primate of the Church of the Lord Worldwide, Dr. Rufus Okikiola Ositelu, made the call on Thursday in Ogere-Remo, Ogun State, during the grand finale of the 2024 Tabieorar edition.
Ositelu stated that the recent hunger protest has gripped the nation and it is a serious reminder of the deep economic challenges that many citizens are facing.
Recall that on August 1-10, Nigerians protested and agitated for #EndBadGovernance, calling for reversalfuel subsidies, electricity tariffs and many other demands.
He added that while the protest was a cry for help, it also represented a clarion call for urgent comprehensive action.
“We must acknowledge that the root cause of this protest is interwoven with broader economic difficulties.
“I urge the government at all levels to continually address the systemic issues that led to poverty and hunger,” he expressed.
He stated that there was a need for government and civil society organisations to work together to achieve the nation’s demands.
“This means that we have to invest more in mineral resources, creating an enabling environment for employment opportunities, improving supply chains, and providing support for vulnerable persons in society,” he said.
He described the recent upward trend of the minimum wage and the approval by the federal government of the N70,000 as the minimum wage as a step in the right direction, especially considering the current economic conditions, inflation, and the rising cost of living.
This he said, “will uplift the citizenry, support their well-being, protect the dignity of labour while force economic growth and development” while “governments at all levels can go further by providing free health care, education and affordable transportation, peace and security.”
Ositelu added that the primary duty of any government is the protection of lives and property which are bedrock upon which the nation’s future is built.
He said recent events have underscored the need for effective measures to address insecurity apparatus while also addressing the root causes of violence.
He, however, noted that building trust between communities and law enforcement agents promoting dialogues and ensuring justice are key components of a comprehensive peace strategy.
He stated that corruption remains a critical challenge that undermines the nation’s progress.
This, he said, endangers public trust and diverse resources away from crucial development projects.
Ositelu urged Nigerians to continue to support anti-corruption initiatives and hold accountable those who engage in corrupt practices.
He said, “A transparent and accountable government is essential for the effective functioning of our society.
“It is our collective responsibility to foster a culture of integrity and honesty at all levels.”
