Hardships: Nigerians Query National Week of Prayer, Call for Action

Date:

 

Last week, Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, led a week-long national prayer initiative at the National Mosque in Abuja.

While Muslim congregants gathered at the mosque, Christian denominations were scheduled for similar sessions at the National Ecumenical Centre. The objective was to seek divine intervention in Nigeria’s economic and social challenges.

The Director-General of the National Prayer Forum (NPF), Segun Balogun Afolorunikan, expressed optimism, stating, “We believe that with God’s wisdom, our leaders and citizens will find the strength to confront our common adversities.”

However, Nigerians have expressed skepticism, arguing that the government needs to complement prayer with decisive action to address underlying issues. Many citizens, frustrated with rising fuel prices, food insecurity, and lack of job opportunities, voiced their concerns that prayer alone cannot resolve these crises.

Abdul Ishaku, a small business owner, commented, “We pray every day, but what’s next? Will the government bring down petrol prices, create safer conditions for farmers, and tackle electricity issues?”

Others questioned the sincerity behind the initiative. Ezekiel Atang argued, “Our leaders cannot ignore the people’s suffering, call for prayer, and expect God to act without them doing their part.”

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) echoed this sentiment, with its President, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, suggesting that over-taxation and inadequate economic policies are the real culprits. “Prayers cannot fix these issues. We must focus on economic productivity,” he said.

Other prominent voices expressed similar concerns. Archbishop Raphael Opoko urged leaders to “match prayer with professional action,” while Professor Sebastiane Uremadu advocated for reinstating oil subsidies and cutting taxes to ease the economic burden on citizens.

For many, the call to prayer symbolizes a “misplaced priority.” Citizens, religious leaders, and civil society groups are increasingly urging the government to tackle insecurity, enhance productivity, and invest in infrastructure as immediate solutions to Nigeria’s challenges. The message is clear: Nigerians are calling for less reliance on prayer and more on tangible government action to create real change.

RECOMMENDED

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Share post:

Subscribe

spot_img

Popular

More like this
Related

VP Shettima: Tinubu Committed to Transforming Nigeria Amid Challenges

Economy poised for growth with 1.8 million barrels...

Oshiomhole Opposed Son’s Appointment as Edo Health Commissioner – Deputy Governor

Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, has disclosed that...

Benue Gov Alia Approves ₦75,000 Minimum Wage for Workers

State to commence arrears payment from November. Governor...

NJC Recommends Retirement for Two Judges Over Age Fraud, Suspends Two Others for Misconduct

The National Judicial Council (NJC), chaired by Chief Justice...

Deji Adeyanju Accuses Wike of Land Grabbing, Authoritarianism

"Bulldozing Homes Criminalizes Poverty," Adeyanju Declares Activist Warns...

FRSC Urges Patience, Attitudinal Change to Prevent Road Crashes

Ondo Sector Commander emphasizes safety during “Ember Months” ...

Maj.-Gen. Olu Bajowa Hails Peaceful Ondo Election, Says Democracy is Strengthening in Nigeria

Former Army General Praises High Voter Turnout and...

Gov Okpebholo Freezes Edo State Bank Accounts, Reverts Ministry Name in Policy Shake-Up

...Commercial banks and MDAs directed to halt all withdrawals...

Google Unveils Advanced Anti-Theft Features for Android Users Globally

AI-powered tools to safeguard phones and data from...

Davido Announces ₦300 Million Donation to Orphanages, Anti-Drug Campaigns Ahead of 32nd Birthday

Singer continues tradition of birthday philanthropy. Fans laud...