Nigerians need to pray, fast over hardship – FG, Gov

Voice Air Media, VAM News Update

As Nigerians grapple with crippling hardship amidst soaring cost of goods and services, the Federal Government has called on Nigerians to take to fasting and prayers as panacea to the economic crisis.

This is just as the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, declared a one-day fasting and prayer for residents of the state to seek the face of God to intervene in the country’s rising cost of food items and the spate of landmine explosions across its major roads.

The fasting and prayer is slated for Monday, February 19.

The calls for prayers and fasting is coming on the heels of warning by the African Development Bank, AfDB, that Nigeria alongside Ethiopia, Angola and Kenya risk social unrest owing to the rising prices of fuel and other commodities.

The AfDB gave the warning in its macroeconomic performance and outlook for 2024 wherein it projected the continent’s economy to grow higher than the 3.2 per cent recorded in 2023.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, asked Nigerians to pray without ceasing in the face of economic hardship and security challenges at the plenary of Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria in Abuja, on Saturday.

“The season of Lent is an apt time to host this critical meeting as it is a period of profound reflection, prayer, fasting, and charitable giving which coincides with a challenging period of economic hardship in our nation,” Akume said.

“We are working to reverse as mentioned above while bold economic reforms have been undertaken by this administration, resulting in short-term hardships, they are borne out of a deep-seated commitment to Nigeria’s long- term prosperity and stability.

“This administration inherited a daunting economic landscape, necessitating decisive action to alter our nation’s downward trajectory.

“With unwavering dedication, we are striving towards a prosperous, healthy, and globally competitive Nigeria. Given the critical situation, now more than ever before, we must remain steadfast, renewing our faith in God’s provision and protection.

“Amidst adversity, we must remain resolute, renewing our faith in God’s providence and walking in love as we support one another.

“Although the economic hardship and security challenges may seem daunting, let us continue to encourage one another in the Lord and pray without ceasing.”

The SGF added that the Tinubu administration is steadfast in its resolve to enhance security, boost the economy, and create opportunities for all citizens.

In a related development, Governor Zulum urged Borno residents to seek the face of God to intervene in the country’s rising cost of food items and the spate of landmine explosions across its major roads.

In a statewide broadcast on Friday, the governor noted that the state government would be investing in modern farming techniques, providing support to local farmers, and creating incentives for agricultural innovation.

Zulum lamented on the increasing spate of landmine explosions on major roads across the state. While he expressed the belief that there are forces behind the planting of the landmines to sabotage the gains recorded so far on security.

“I speak to you today with a heavy heart, but also with a determination to address the challenges that have befallen our beloved state.

“I am deeply troubled by the recent hardships faced by our citizens, particularly the high cost of food items. I understand the burden that this places on families and individuals.

“I want to assure you that we are taking decisive steps to alleviate this issue. Our government is focusing on reviving agriculture in the state, intending to increase food production and reduce our reliance on food palliative.

“By doing so, we hope to not only lower the cost of food items but also to create sustainable livelihoods for our people,” he believed.

“We have taken far-reaching decisions to mitigate the rising cost of the essential goods. In addition to our efforts in agriculture,” the governor said, adding, “We are also working on increasing the distribution of palliatives especially for residents in MMC and Jere.

“As people of faith and from our previous experience, I implore his eminence, the Shehu of Borno, the Chief Imam, Imams, and the Christian brothers and the citizens of Borno State to observe a one-day voluntary fast on Monday the 19th of February 2024,” he added.

He urged everyone to pray for peace, prosperity and the development of the state while observing the fast.