Economic Hardship: NACJ Appeals To Govt To Address, Insecurity, Hunger In The Land
As the Christian season of Lent begins, the Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists, (NACJ), Oyo State chapter, has called on the government to take urgent action to address the ongoing insecurity and food crisis in the country.
NACJ, in a statement released on behalf of the chairman of the association in the state, Com. Lekan Sobowale, by the Public Relations Officer, PRO, Com. Adeola Badru, as Christian Lent is ongoing, appealed to the government to take concrete steps to end the violence and unrest that has plagued the country in recent years.
The association also appealed to the government to take steps to address the growing food insecurity in the country, saying, millions of Nigerians are currently facing hunger and malnutrition, urging the government to take immediate action to improve food production and distribution.
The NACJ stressed that food insecurity is not only a humanitarian crisis, but also a national security issue.
“The inability of the government to feed its citizens creates a fertile ground for extremism and radicalization,” the statement read. “It is our view that a well-fed nation is a safer nation,” NACJ added.
The association also called for increased investment in education and healthcare, as well as efforts to combat corruption and improve governance, while further calling on the government to take a holistic approach to addressing the country’s challenges, rather than taking piecemeal measures.
“We believe that only a comprehensive approach will lead to lasting solutions. We urge the government to take a holistic approach to improving the lives of all Nigerians, regardless of their religion, tribe, or political affiliation.”
“One of the biggest challenges facing the Nigerian government in addressing these issues is the lack of capacity and resources.”
“The country’s public institutions have been severely weakened by years of mismanagement and corruption, leaving them ill-equipped to deal with the current challenges. In addition, the country’s security forces have been stretched thin by the ongoing conflict, leaving them unable to effectively protect civilians.”
In order to effectively address these issues, NACJ said that the Nigerian government needed to take a multi-pronged approach that includes increased investment in both the security and humanitarian sectors.
The association further stated that the government must also take steps to address the underlying issues that are driving conflict and insecurity, such as poverty, inequality, and marginalization.
“Additionally, the government needs to work closely with international partners to leverage resources and expertise to help address these challenges.”
“The government also needs to build the capacity of its institutions and strengthen its rule of law, as this will be critical in building sustainable peace and stability. By taking these steps, the Nigerian government can begin to create a more secure and prosperous future for all its citizens.”
“The Nigerian government faces significant challenges in addressing the issues of insecurity and food insecurity, but by taking a comprehensive approach, it can begin to make meaningful progress towards achieving a more peaceful and prosperous future.”
“The Nigerian people deserve a government that is capable of addressing their needs and building a brighter future for all,” NACJ concluded.