Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, Archbishop and Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), has advised President Bola Tinubu’s government to channel the funds it spent on palliatives to build industries.

Mr Ndukuba said this at the opening of the 14th edition of the 2024 Divine Commonwealth Conference (DIVCCON) on Tuesday in Abuja, pointing out that investing in industrialisation could create more employment.

Mr Ndukuba told journalists on the sidelines of the event that revitalising moribund textiles and other industries, as well as establishing new ones across the six geo-political zones in the country, could reduce economic hardship.

The cleric commended the government for ensuring that the scope of intervention of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund expanded from building infrastructure to carrying out research programmes, innovation and industrialisation.

He added that translating such an idea to industrialisation could make more impact in Nigeria.

“I was delighted to hear that TETFund is not only for building infrastructure at our higher institutions but also to encourage research, innovation and industrialisation. How this can be translated into industrialisation is the way to go.

“Our present situation cannot be solved by giving palliatives only. Yes, palliatives are just for immediate relief but there is the need to revive our industries, textiles and others,’’ the Anglican Church’s spiritual leader stated. “Do you know how many textiles have gone bankrupt in Kaduna State?

He added, “If we have five textiles functioning in the north, I am telling you that a great number of our youths would be employed to work both day and night.”

The cleric expressed hope for the country, advising that Nigeria was passing through the storm as Jesus Christ and his disciples did while he stood up and calmed the heavy winds.

He further advised that Nigerians should not be anxious over the stormy situation, adding God would see the country through its trials moment. He said Jesus’ calmness was significant and worthy of emulation as he was not anxious or panicky but demonstrated a peace that transcends circumstances and foreshadows the peace he would soon bring to the raging waters.

“I want to tell you that most Nigerians are worried. They are anxious. They are in fear of their own lives. They are not even sure of where the next food will come from. And it’s in this situation as we are facing a storm and none of us has the solution, it is in such a situation that the word of God is coming to us,” he said.

Also speaking, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, president of the Christian Association of Nigeria, lauded the Anglican Church for its continued role in fostering unity, faith and hope within the Christian community in Nigeria.

Mr Okoh explained that the conference theme came at the right time to raise the hope of God’s people, especially as Nigeria faces numerous challenges.

(NAN)