CurrentReport Blog The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Most Rev. Peter Odetoyinbo, has called on Nigerians to place their hope and trust in God to overcome the prevailing economic and social challenges in the country.
In his 2024 Christmas Message, Bishop Odetoyinbo emphasized the need for collective efforts to build a hopeful and prosperous Nigeria. He urged citizens to support vulnerable groups and called on the government to focus on critical areas of intervention, including food security, education, healthcare, housing, and security.
Government Interventions and Renewed Hope
The Bishop highlighted the importance of government initiatives in addressing pressing issues and building trust among Nigerians.
“More interventions from the government will enthrone the structures of ‘Renewed Hope’ that it intends to establish,” he said.
He acknowledged positive government steps such as increased workers’ minimum wage, student loans, cash transfer schemes, and allocations in the 2025 budget but stressed the need for further action to combat food inflation, improve local refineries, stabilize the national grid, and enhance security.
A Call for People-Centered Policies
Bishop Odetoyinbo urged the government to reinvest savings from the removal of fuel subsidies and the Naira floatation into infrastructure development and solutions to Nigeria’s economic challenges.
“The various agencies of government should work to instill hope in Nigerians by designing people-centered policies that prioritize the well-being of all,” he added.
Hope Through Christmas
Reflecting on the spiritual essence of Christmas, the Bishop reminded Nigerians that God’s presence offers strength and hope.
“God does not change, even when our circumstances do. He sent His Son Jesus Christ as the reason for our joy and hope this Christmas. We must allow this understanding of hope to reshape and renew our minds toward building the Nigeria of our dreams,” he stated.
A Vision for a Better Nigeria
As the year comes to an end, Bishop Odetoyinbo encouraged Nigerians to remain resilient and proactive in the face of challenges.
“Nigeria will rise again, and it will happen in our time,” he assured.
