Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has urged the nation’s leaders to tackle hunger and poverty, saying economic statistics alone do not reflect the harsh reality faced by many Nigerians.

Mr Onaiyekan said this in a homily at Rev. Fr. Maurice Emelu’s 20th priestly ordination and 50th birthday celebration at the Church of Immaculate Conception, Umuchima in Ideato South Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo.

He said, “15 to 20 years ago, Nigeria was poor but not hungry. Today, unfortunately, Nigerians are hungry.”

Mr Onaiyekan said that rather than focus on the big statistics that Nigeria’s economy was doing well, “leaders should focus on alleviating hunger and poverty in the land”.

He said, “This promise of a better future and, therefore, we should accept the difficulties around us is not acceptable.

“Our politicians are talking of renewed hope, with little or nothing to sustain such hope, which for many has turned into hopelessness.

“There is a growing burden of poverty in our nation, a tragic irony in a nation richly blessed by God. President Bola Tinubu should not just listen to his advisers, but should come down and eat with the poor to feel their pains.”

Mr Onaiyekan advocated renewed collaboration between the church and government to improve public services for all.

In a speech, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, said Nigeria was currently passing through a difficult period.

Mr Obi, who joined other dignitaries to serve food to the guests present, expressed a desire for a Nigeria where collective well-being was prioritised.

“This is the way we want our society to be, a society where people care for the needy. We want more of Fr. Maurice and individuals who care for the poor,” he said.

(NAN)