The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Ignatius Kaigama, has cautioned the Federal against suppressing the voices of citizens who yearn for positive change.
Kaigama gave the warning on Sunday while dedicating Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Nyanya, Abuja.
According to the Archbishop, scaring citizens away is not a solution to the problems in the country.
“The seed of Christian faith that started in Nigeria, like a mustard seed continues to grow despite some subtle anti-Christian policies or strategies, unfavourable social, economic and political atmosphere.
“It is our prayer that Nigeria will mature beyond the polarization based on religion and
tribe, so as to be a shining light of social integration for Africa.
“As we celebrated Democracy Day yesterday, we saw agitated youths on the streets clamoring for positive change.
“Suppressing their voice or scaring them away is not a solution, but responding positively and creatively to those reasonable demands of theirs” he cautioned.
He urged the federal Government to focus more on farming and animal husbandry, rather than laying so much emphasis on oil as the primary source of national revenue.
He said,”It worries me that we so much over-rely on oil as the primary source of our national revenue, and this constitutes the major source of our quarrel about injustice and marginalisation.
“Let us, however, remember that there will be less demand for oil in the future and some countries are preparing to use electric vehicles or energy sources like solar and wind, a technological transformation that will render oil redundant.
“It is advisable that we focus more systematically on farming and animal husbandry.
“Stop the needless hostility between farmers and herders, and rather invest heavily in modernising these sectors which can help to reduce the number of unemployed youths on the streets.
“We implore fellow Nigerians to truly rededicate ourselves to God, show respect to one another, identify with the poor, and practise genuine forgiveness and reconciliation.
The cleric enjoined the unemployed youths not to ” allow the healthy seeds in them to die. Keep dreaming positively and back it up by doing even petty jobs that will give you the dignity to eat from the labour of your hands. God will reward your patience.
“We implore fellow Nigerians to truly rededicate ourselves to God; show respect to one another, identify with the poor, and practise genuine forgiveness and reconciliation.
He prayed that” may our prayers rise like incense from this new Church for all Nigerians who are hurt by the problems of life, and may the Lord shower us all with blessings beyond our expectations.
