By Francesca Hangeior.

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 to arrest the widespread hunger in the country.

In a message to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebration, Ositelu stated that as an integral part of society, the church had a duty to contribute to national development.

Speaking against the backdrop of the hunger protests that rocked the country recently, the popular cleric said, “The recent hunger protests that have gripped our nation is a sombre reminder of the deep economic challenges that many citizens are facing.

“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 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. This means 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.”

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.

Ositelu, who has PhDs in Computer Science and Religion, also tasked the government with providing adequate security for the citizenry because “it is the bedrock upon which the nation’s future is built.”

He called on the Federal Government to review and strengthen its security apparatus, while also addressing the root causes of violence. He asserted that building trust between communities and law enforcement agents, promoting dialogue, and ensuring justice were key components of a comprehensive peace strategy.

The cleric also described corruption as a significant challenge that undermined the nation’s progress. He stated that it eroded public trust and diverted resources away from crucial development projects, adding that all Nigerians must continue to support anti-corruption initiatives and hold accountable those who engage in corrupt practices.

“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,” he said.

Reiterating his stance on fiscal federalism, Ositelu stated that the principles of fiscal federalism and local government autonomy were vital for effective governance.

According to him, the former ensures the equitable distribution of resources, promotes regional development and empowers regional governments to address local needs effectively.

“The approval of local government autonomy by the current administration represents a positive step toward decentralising power and enhancing local governance. This autonomy empowers local authorities to address the specific needs of their communities more effectively. I hereby call on all local government chairmen to implement these reforms in a manner that promotes efficiency, accountability and development at the grassroots,” he added.

The computer scientist-turned-cleric also stated that restructuring, regional governments and constitutional review were pivotal for the future of the country.

Stressing the importance of prayers, Ositelu stated that it is a source of strength and guidance.

“It is through prayer that we seek divine wisdom, solace and direction. As we navigate these complex issues, l urge you to be hopeful and turn to God with a grateful heart for support and inspiration as there will eventually be light at the end of the tunnel,” he concluded.