● Tonye Okurumo
••• Calls on Church Leaders to Champion Peace-Building Efforts
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has blamed rising hunger in Nigeria on persistent attacks by herdsmen and terrorists, which have made farming increasingly difficult. He called on church leaders to play a greater role in fostering peace, emphasizing that insecurity is a major threat to economic development and food security.
The governor made the remarks while declaring open the 2025 Standing Committee Meeting of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt, Diocese of Niger Delta, Province of Niger Delta. His Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed the statement on Wednesday.
Governor Fubara urged the Church, as a key partner of the government, to intensify peace-building efforts by preaching messages of unity and reconciliation. He noted that without peace, development efforts would be hindered in Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole.
“The Church is the only place where even those who are not fully committed Christians still come to hear the Word. When they listen consistently, they are compelled to change their ways. Increasing evangelism and spreading the Gospel will bring about positive change in our lives and society,” he said.
He emphasized that governance alone cannot resolve the country’s socio-political and economic challenges without the active involvement of religious institutions.
Governor Fubara highlighted the link between insecurity and hunger, arguing that Nigeria’s agricultural sector has been crippled by violent attacks on farmers.
“We have issues of hunger. The hunger is not because we are no longer engaging in agriculture, but because of insecurity. This is why we can no longer produce, at least, to feed ourselves,” he stated.
He also addressed the ongoing brain drain in the healthcare sector, commonly referred to as ‘japa syndrome’, where Nigerian doctors seek better opportunities abroad.
“It is not that we don’t have good hospitals and skilled doctors, but poor welfare conditions have forced many to leave. What we hear is that they are ‘japaing.’ Yet, when they go abroad, they are among the best. We must improve welfare for our medical professionals so that our healthcare system can compete favorably with any in the world.”
In recognition of the Church’s role in promoting peace and social cohesion, Governor Fubara announced a ₦500 million donation to support its activities in 2025. He expressed gratitude to the Anglican Communion for choosing Rivers State as the venue for the Standing Committee Meeting, describing it as a divine affirmation of his administration.
“Imagine the spiritual impact of having clergymen and their wives praying across Rivers State during this meeting. It is a divine privilege for us,” he noted.
In his Presidential Address, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), expounded on the theme of the 2025 Standing Committee Meeting, “The Bond of Peace: The Core of The Life and Ministry of the Church” (Ephesians 4:3).
He stressed the need for genuine love, reverence for God, and a firm commitment to teaching the true Word of God rather than human traditions.
The Primate also called for a new, citizen-driven National Constitution, arguing that mere amendments to the existing military-imposed Constitution would not provide the much-needed direction for Nigeria.
“Issues of justice, equity, and equality of citizens in a free and democratic society must be openly and frankly discussed, legislated, and implemented for Nigeria’s survival. We need a new Nigeria where no citizen is oppressed, and everyone has the right to strive for a better life,” he declared.
He further advocated for a National Reconciliation Commission to address unresolved grievances arising from Nigeria’s first coup, civil war, and other historical conflicts, which he said continue to fuel distrust in the polity.
Archbishop Ndukuba also urged the Federal Government to take urgent action against the country’s worsening insecurity, stating that the unchecked activities of bandits, terrorists, and criminal elements have created widespread fear and devastation.
Additionally, he lamented the rising inflation and soaring food prices, which have made basic necessities increasingly unaffordable.
“Nigerians are suffering due to growing inflation and the soaring cost of food in an already fragile and uncertain economic environment. The government must take a different approach to address the multiple problems facing ordinary citizens,” he urged.
In his welcome address, the Bishop of Niger Delta Diocese, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Oko-Jaja, praised Governor Fubara for his unwavering support for the Church and his administration’s pro-people policies, which he said have significantly improved the welfare of Rivers State residents. GMTNewsng
