Cleric Urges Effort To Combat Unemployment, Poverty 

The Bishop of Lafia Diocese, Rev. Godwin Adeyi Robinson, has called on Nigerian governments at all levels to take immediate and decisive action to address the country’s escalating challenges of unemployment and poverty.

Expressing concern on the growing number of jobless youths, Bishop Robinson during the third session of the 8th synod themed: ‘Arise and Shine’ at Mt. Zion Anglican Church, Mararaba, Lafia Diocese, emphasised the need for both the private and public sectors to collaborate and prioritise initiatives that would tangibly combat unemployment.

“We must engage our young population in productive activities, and it is imperative that all relevant stakeholders work together to tackle this issue head-on. Regardless of which government is in power, we pray that God will guide us. It is time for us to change our narrative and take control of our destiny. We must seize the opportunities before us and make the most of them. Great achievements do not happen spontaneously; they require effort and determination. If we want to rise, we must apply the necessary force to overcome the gravitational pull that keeps us down,” he said.

Commenting on the recent elections, including the presidential, National Assembly, gubernatorial, and state assembly elections, the bishop acknowledged the introduction of the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) as a positive step towards improving the electoral process.

However, he expressed disappointment with the failure to transmit the presidential election results, which left a bitter taste among Nigerians.

Acknowledging that Nigeria’s democracy is still developing, Bishop Robinson urged patience and called for continuous improvement to ensure transparency in future elections.

He congratulated President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as well as the governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule and his deputy, while assuring them of the church’s prayers for their success in governance and delivery of democratic dividends to the nation.

Robinson also urged Nigerians, particularly the youth, to brace themselves for the challenges ahead and remain hopeful, as brighter days are on the horizon.

“Nigeria, with its vast population of over two hundred million talented individuals, abundant natural resources, and significant oil production, has the potential to transform Africa and leave a lasting impact on the world stage,” he declared.

Highlighting the paradox of Africa’s untapped potential and prevailing poverty, he urged Nigerians to recognise and value the treasure within their midst, likening it to a blind man unaware of the riches around him.