A former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has expressed concern over the current state of Nigeria and urged the government to prioritise citizens’ welfare.
Onaiyekan made the call at the celebration of the 50th birthday and 20th anniversary of Rev Fr John Emelu as a priest in Ideato South local government area of Imo State under the “God’s VIPs”, a sacred gathering dedicated to feed 5,000 of the most vulnerable drawn from the five southeast states.
The cleric asked the government to address the struggles faced by ordinary people and youth, and change the policies that are negatively impacting citizens, saying good opportunities enable people to thrive and find their footing.
He emphasised the importance of good governance and expressed hope for a better Nigeria, while also highlighting the significance of voting for leaders who serve the people well.
“Nigeria faces significant problems that require viable solutions, on leadership transformation, change can come from those in power if they repent and reform. Alternative leaders who can offer a better future for Nigeria will be voted for in the 2027 election. Also leaders, including the sitting president, should be subject to the law and accountable for their actions in court,” Onaiyekan said.
The celebrant, and founder Gratia Vobis Ministries, Inc.
USA, Rev Fr Maurice Emelu, called on the government to foster societal change, create supportive policies and regulations to develop the country.
He announced the award of scholarship to one Miss Uchechi Akuzie to university level to foster inclusion for students from poor homes.
According to him, the “God’s “VIPs” initiative will provide support to 1,000 families, five from each family making a total of 5,000 individuals, during which they will receive a month’s worth of food, including 50kg bag of long grain rice, 10kg bag of beans, essential condiments even as the provisions will be delivered to their villages through luxury buses. An effort aimed to provide relief and dignity to some of the most vulnerable members of society.
Emelu, an associate professor of digital marketing and communication strategy at John Carroll University, disclosed that he received divine instruction to serve and share meals with the vulnerable, noting that the event marked a milestone in Nigeria.
The event was celebrated with a Holy Mass at CIC Church in Umuchima Town, Imo State, by Cardinal John Onaiyeka, who emphasised that it was a national shame that hunger, unemployment, and disease were pressing issues, saying government’s elected officials mandated to serve the people and address national challenges were doing otherwise.
