The Metropolitan and Archbishop of Abuja Methodist Church, His Grace, Most Rev’d Michael Akinwale, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to address the economic hardships facing Nigerians.

The cleric made the appeal during the 2024 Men’s ‘Work-Week/Father’s Day Thanksgiving Service at the Methodist Cathedral of Unity, Wuse, Abuja, on Sunday.

The archbishop called on Mr Tinubu to take decisive action to address the hardship and stress that a lot of Nigerians were suffering.

“A lot of homes are bleeding at this time. The government should do everything they can to cushion the effect of this battered economy,” he implored.

He highlighted the high cost of living, which, according to him, has placed basic necessities beyond the reach of the common man.

“This is part of our divine responsibilities as men. But the truth is that we know that we are equally challenged by the economy.

“One thing we need to understand is that God is our provider. He is the one who has the ability to provide for us.

“As long as we are resolutely determined as a father to meet our responsibility, God will always make a way for us.

“To our president, I want him to understand that a lot of homes are bleeding at this time.

“The commoners are really complaining. The government should block every conduit pipe where our resources are being drained at the expense of the masses,” he said.

Speaking on the theme “Arise and Build,” the clergy emphasised the critical role of fathers in the home and the nation.”

“President Tinubu’s government should do everything it can to cushion the effects of this battered economy. It is becoming very difficult to maintain the family now because almost everything has skyrocketed.

“It is far beyond the reach of the common man. As fathers of the nation, we want to use this Father’s Day to appeal passionately to the president to address the challenges.

“We understand that the administration is trying to entrench the stability of the economy, but the effect is really telling on the masses,” he said.

Quoting from the Holy Book of Colossians 3:19, the cleric urged men to love and provide for their families, notwithstanding the economic pressures.

“God is our provider. As long as we are resolutely determined as fathers to meet our responsibilities, God will always make a way for us,” he said.

Also speaking, the president of the men’s fellowship in the church, Kayode Beckleg, echoed the same sentiments as the clergy.

“Truly, the country is passing through tough times, but we should all realise that it is only by the grace of God that we are alive,” he said.

Mr Beckleg encouraged men to turn to God, remain hopeful, and not abandon their families. 

(NAN)