The former Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Archdiocese, Cardinal John
Onaiyekan, has urged for a comprehensive review of national policies to
alleviate the economic challenges currently facing the country.
Onaiyekan
expressed concerns about the country’s situation in an interview with reporters
on the sidelines of the ‘Marian Concert’ held in Abuja to celebrate the 2024
Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The
event, titled “The Four Dogmas of the Blessed Virgin Mary,” was organized by
the Madonna Choir of St. Charles Lwanga Parish and its partner societies.
Cardinal
Onaiyekan called on Nigerians to continue to pray for leaders at all levels,
hoping that they will make informed decisions to address the nation’s economic
strains.
However,
he stressed the urgent need to revise policies contributing to widespread
poverty, noting the adverse impact on the middle class and the increasing
impoverishment of many citizens.
He
remarked, “There is a limit to what that people can handle. You can’t tell
someone to be patient with poverty while we see the people who are supposed to
address our poverty, live flamboyantly, building huge mansions and having
fleets of cars without caring how they are fueled whereas, the rest of us are
queuing to get a few litres of fuel.”
The
cardinal further called for governance marked by justice and equity to ensure a
fair distribution of national resources.
He
also prayed that, through the intercession of Mother Mary, the Queen of Peace
and Queen of Nigeria, the nation would achieve peace and prosperity for all its
citizens.
In
support of the message, Rev. Fr. Thomas Edogbanya, the Parish Priest,
encouraged Nigerians to remain hopeful despite the nation’s difficulties.
Reflecting
on the life of Mary who faced numerous challenges but maintained unwavering
faith and hope, he reassured the faithful that just as Mary’s nativity brings
hope, the future holds promise for citizens.
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