The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has called on Nigerians to pray for farmers as the nation faces worsening food insecurity and rising poverty rates.
Kaigama, who made this call during his homily at St. Theresa’s Parish in Abuja, highlighted the critical importance of agriculture in combating hunger and poverty, stressing the urgent need for more rain in northern Nigeria.
He expressed concerns over the scarcity of rainfall in some parts of the north, warning that this could exacerbate the already dire situation of hunger and poverty.
“Kindly remember the farmers and pray for more rain in some parts of Northern Nigeria, the scarcity of which is likely to compound the already bad poverty and hunger,” he urged.
According to him, prayer is essential when Nigeria is grappling with significant agricultural challenges, including farmers-headers clash, unpredictable weather patterns, declining farm yields, and a lack of access to resources for smallholder farmers.
“These factors, coupled with the rising cost of food and a high poverty rate, have placed immense pressure on millions of Nigerians who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods,” he said.
Kaigama also underscored the importance of agriculture as a vital tool for reducing poverty and ensuring food security, stressing that Nigeria’s economic stability and the well-being of its citizens are closely tied to the success of the agricultural sector.
He said that may God bless and keep Nigerians well, reminding the congregation that their prayers and support for farmers are crucial in this time of need.
“As Nigeria continues to confront these challenges, the need for collaborative efforts to support sustainable farming practices and improve access to essential resources for farmers becomes increasingly urgent,” he said.
The Archbishop’s appeal highlighted the Church’s role in addressing socio-economic issues and its commitment to advocating for the vulnerable, particularly in rural communities where agriculture remains a lifeline.
