Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Nigeria’s Catholic Bishops’ Conference has warned of severe food inflation and multidimensional poverty affecting 129 million Nigerians. He highlighted the alarming youth unemployment rate of 53% as a potential crisis factor, linking it to rising crime. The Archbishop urged for sustainable economic solutions and emphasized the importance of good governance and civic education to empower citizens.
In Nigeria, the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, has raised crucial concerns regarding the escalating food inflation, currently at 39.84 percent, which is making it difficult for families to secure adequate nourishment. He highlighted the dire situation where 129 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, urging the need for sustainable solutions rather than temporary relief programs to tackle the root causes of economic hardship.
While acknowledging the long-term intentions of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, Archbishop Ugorji pointed out that these changes have resulted in soaring inflation, diminished purchasing power, and increased poverty levels. He stressed that the situation is critical, citing the World Bank’s projection that approximately 129 million Nigerians live below the poverty line.
The CBCN President further identified the staggering youth unemployment rate, currently at 53 percent, as a “ticking time bomb” that threatens societal stability. He connected the rise of criminal activities, including kidnapping and drug abuse, to the despair faced by unemployed youth. The Archbishop noted that increasing layoffs due to a failing economic climate exacerbate these issues.
Moreover, Archbishop Ugorji emphasized the necessity for the government to prioritize job creation to combat insecurity and violent crime effectively. He cautioned corrupt leaders against aggravating public unrest through their actions, urging them to reflect upon historical lessons of revolutions.
To address these challenges, the Archbishop called for the protection of fundamental rights and the promotion of good governance through free and fair elections. He asserted the importance of civic education and the Church’s social teachings in empowering the Nigerian populace, emphasizing a collaborative effort towards sustainable change in the face of adversity.
Archbishop Lucius Ugorji’s remarks underscore the pressing economic challenges faced by Nigeria, particularly food inflation and the prevalence of poverty, which calls for immediate and sustainable solutions. His concerns regarding youth unemployment highlight the broader implications of economic instability on societal safety and cohesion. The Archbishop’s call for improved governance and civic engagement signifies a pathway towards addressing these crises effectively.
Original Source: www.fides.org
