Henry Ndukuba, the primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), says Nigeria has no justification for any family to go to bed hungry, given the country’s abundant resources.

Mr Ndukuba said this on Tuesday in Abuja during an interview with journalists at the ongoing Divine Commonwealth Conference (DIVCCON) 2026, held at the National Christian Centre.

According to him, Nigeria is richly blessed with resources that, if properly managed, could meet its citizens’ needs.

The primate called on leaders at all levels to utilise the nation’s resources for the benefit of Nigerians, particularly vulnerable families struggling with economic hardship.

“Nigeria is blessed, and we are demanding that our leaders should make use of our resources to help the citizens of this nation. We have no reason for any family to go to bed hungry. What we have is enough. It can go round,” he said.

Mr Ndukuba urged Nigerians not to surrender to despair despite the numerous challenges confronting the country.

According to him, the theme is particularly relevant, considering the physical, spiritual and emotional distractions affecting many Nigerians.

He observed that many citizens were becoming exhausted and discouraged by prevailing circumstances, stressing the importance of remaining steadfast and focused on a better future.

“The things are hard, challenges abound, but we want to encourage us not to give up. Continue to press forward, continue to stand strong, continue to hold on to God’s promises,” he said.

The Anglican primate urged Nigerians, irrespective of their religious affiliations, to remain hopeful and believe that the country’s future would be better. He expressed confidence that God would intervene in Nigeria’s challenges, urging citizens to rise above their difficulties and continue working towards national progress.

Mr Ndukuba encouraged eligible Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate actively in the electoral process. He dismissed suggestions that the outcome of the elections had already been predetermined, calling the claims false and insisting that citizens have a responsibility to choose their leaders.

“It’s a lie. Nobody has decided anything. We the citizens have the civic responsibility to play our role,” he said, charging voters to verify their names on the voter register, identify their polling units, and turn out in January to exercise their civic responsibilities while protecting their votes.

Mr Ndukuba advised Nigerians not to be discouraged by politicians’ desperation, saying the ballot remains a powerful instrument for bringing about the desired political change.

“If you are not satisfied with what has been happening, this is the time that we can make use of our vote to bring about a change. We have the opportunity to determine who leads us,” he said.

The primate expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its challenges, urging leaders to remain sensitive to the aspirations, needs and difficulties of the people.

(NAN)