Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri and President of the CBCN, raised alarms about Nigeria’s high food inflation and poverty rates. He highlighted a youth unemployment rate of 53 percent, describing it as a “ticking time bomb” linked to rising crime. Ugorji urged the government to implement sustainable solutions and uphold governance to address these pressing issues.
In Abuja, Lucius Ugorji, the Archbishop of Owerri and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), raised serious concerns regarding the economic situation in Nigeria during the opening of this year’s first Plenary Assembly. He reported alarming food inflation rates of 39.84 percent and stated that approximately 129 million Nigerians currently live in multidimensional poverty. He emphasized the inadequacy of temporary relief measures, advocating for sustainable solutions to tackle the root causes of economic hardship.
Archbishop Ugorji acknowledged the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu but criticized their effects, noting that these reforms have led to significant inflation and diminished purchasing power for Nigerians. The CBCN President highlighted the World Bank’s projection indicating that Nigeria ranks second globally for acute food insecurity, which affects 24 million citizens.
The Archbishop further emphasized the critical state of youth unemployment, which stands at 53 percent, describing it as “a ticking time bomb.” He reported that the rise in criminal activities—including kidnapping, robbery, and drug abuse—is linked to the despair faced by jobless youth. The situation has been exacerbated by mass layoffs from companies adversely affected by a challenging economic environment.
He insisted that the government must prioritize addressing youth unemployment and job creation to combat insecurity and crime effectively. Ugorji also urged corrupt leaders to consider the consequences of deepening public discontent, warning them to reflect on historical revolutions.
To mitigate these troubling trends, the CBCN President called for the promotion of fundamental rights, good governance, and credible elections. He asserted the importance of civic education and the church’s social teachings in empowering the populace for a more stable future.
In summary, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji’s address sheds light on Nigeria’s critical economic challenges, particularly the alarming rates of food inflation and poverty. He underscores the urgency of tackling youth unemployment, which is inextricably linked to rising crime rates. By advocating for sustainable solutions, good governance, and civic empowerment, he calls for collective action to pave the way for a more secure and prosperous Nigeria.
Original Source: www.fides.org
