The Archbishop of Ibadan Province, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Dr. Williams Aladekugbe, has lamented that the economic crunch in Nigeria has prevented Christians from attending services and giving offerings in churches.
He said this over the weekend when he delivered the 1st Distinguished Alumni Lecture for the Department of Religious Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan.
The Archbishop noted that the hardship had compelled a cleric to call President Bola Tinubu and ask him to save people from the economic crises.
Speaking on the topic, entitled “The faith once delivered to the saints in the context of contemporary socio-economic challenges”, held at the Otunba Subomi Balogun Conference centre, UI, he said: “The present economic hardship resulting from the removal of fuel subsidy is also having its effects on the Christians in Nigeria, as many families could no longer attend church services, some of those who manage to attend church services, have no money for offerings and other contributions in the Church.
“It must be noted that Christians nationwide, along with the adherents of other faiths, are under economic pressure. This situation has forced a cleric to call on President Tinubu during the burial of Rotimi Akeredolu, the late governor of Ondo State by saying ‘You said it’s your turn, now save Nigerians from hunger’.”
Aladekugbe, who is also the Bishop of Ibadan North (Anglican) Diocese, said: “In Nigeria, in the past, people had demonstrated against unfriendly policy bringing lousy economy, it is not different today as groups of people have demonstrated from time to time to show their annoyance at the present economic policy of the government.
“Till now, people are taking to the streets to demonstrate perhaps the government will change her policy. This time around, the series of demonstrations have failed as high costs of all things in the market persist. Nigerians call on President Tinubu to end hunger and hardship.
“Groups, associations, clubs, traditional rulers, clerics and the general populace have been groaning under the economic policy of the present regime. There is no point hiding the fact that Nigerians are frustrated, hungry and angry.”
He added that “The clergy and the ministers of God have more to do at a time like this to save people from depression, loss of hope and probably from suicide. Lectures, sermons and teachings should be intensified to keep the faith of the Christians alive so that they can triumph over this period which is believed would be for a short period.”
Bishop Aladekungbe explained that people exhibit various forms of fear based on the current situation but warned that faith should be cultivated to attract God’s divine intervention.
