The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria has raised alarms about hunger and insecurity in the nation, emphasizing the ongoing challenges of poverty, youth unemployment, and inadequate justice systems. They urge for government accountability and better protection of human rights, while recognizing some positive developments under current leadership. The bishops cultivate hope for a more secure and prosperous future for Nigeria.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has voiced deep concerns regarding the ongoing issues of hunger and insecurity in the country, asserting that the national outlook remains grim despite some positive developments. The CBCN indicated that abuses of human rights, corruption, and injustice compounded the nation’s troubles, warning leaders that continued mismanagement could incite public unrest.
During its inaugural meeting of 2025, CBCN President Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji highlighted various challenges, including a struggling economy, rising unemployment, and poor conditions in federal correctional centres. He noted that although the current government’s economic reforms aim to stabilize the economy, they have led to inflation, diminishing purchasing power, and widespread poverty affecting approximately 129 million Nigerians.
Ugori emphasized that insecurity remains rampant, with communities suffering violence and displacement at the hands of aggressors, and called for enhanced government action through the deployment of technology to bolster security efforts. He also reflected on the tragic loss of lives due to criminal acts, urging an immediate cessation of such violence.
Addressing youth unemployment, which poses a significant threat given that youth comprise 70 percent of Nigeria’s population, Ugorji called upon the citizens to persist in advocating for fair governance through transparent elections. He criticized the injustices faced by individuals detained without trial, stressing the need to uphold fundamental rights and judicial fairness.
While acknowledging some infrastructural progress made by the current administration, such as road rehabilitation and the introduction of a student loan program, Ugorji lamented that the broader condition of the nation remains troubling and uncertain. Reflecting on these sentiments, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama inspired hope by reminding the nation of God’s potential to usher in a better future, supported by community and church initiatives.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria has highlighted persistent challenges of hunger and insecurity, calling for accountability and better governance. With approximately 129 million Nigerians below the poverty line and escalating violence, the CBCN advocates for the protection of human rights and judicial processes while stressing the role of youth empowerment. Despite some progress by the government, the overarching sentiment remains one of caution and the need for improvement.
Original Source: www.thisdaylive.com
