The Archbishop of Ibadan Province, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Dr. Williams Aladekugbe, has voiced strong concerns about the detrimental effects of the nation’s economic crisis on Christian attendance at church services and their capacity to contribute financially. He expressed these views during the inaugural Distinguished Alumni Lecture of the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Ibadan over the weekend.
Dr. Aladekugbe pointed out that the ongoing economic challenges have led a cleric to urge President Bola Tinubu to implement measures to ease the financial burdens on citizens. Addressing the topic “The faith once delivered to the saints in the context of contemporary socio-economic challenges” at the Otunba Subomi Balogun Conference Centre, he stated, “The current economic difficulties, especially following the removal of the fuel subsidy, are severely impacting Christians in Nigeria. Many families cannot attend church services, and those who do often lack the means to make offerings and contributions.”
The Archbishop underscored that Christians, alongside followers of other faiths, are facing significant economic pressure. He recounted a cleric’s appeal to President Tinubu during the funeral of the late Rotimi Akeredolu, former governor of Ondo State, asserting, “You said it’s your turn; now save Nigerians from hunger.”
As the Bishop of Ibadan North (Anglican) Diocese, Dr. Aladekugbe noted that Nigerians have a history of protesting against unfavorable economic policies, and the current demonstrations reflect a deep-seated dissatisfaction with the government’s economic strategies. Despite these protests, the cost of living continues to rise, prompting renewed calls for President Tinubu to tackle issues of hunger and hardship.
Various stakeholders, including associations, traditional leaders, and the general public, are expressing their discontent with the government’s economic policies. Dr. Aladekugbe stated, “Nigerians are frustrated, hungry, and angry. The hardship, insecurity, poverty, and unemployment are overwhelming. The Federal Government’s socio-economic reforms have led to unprecedented suffering, with skyrocketing food prices worsening the crisis and contributing to increased crime rates.”
He recognized that the current situation is untenable, with many citizens voicing their concerns and reflecting on Nigeria’s political future in light of economic challenges. On social media and in public discussions, individuals are questioning their faith, asking, “God, where are you?”
In these trying times, the clergy must intensify their efforts to uplift the community and combat despair, loss of hope, and the risk of suicides. Dr. Aladekugbe called for more lectures, sermons, and teachings to strengthen the faith of Christians, encouraging them to endure hardship.
He acknowledged the widespread fear among the populace but stressed the importance of cultivating faith to invite divine intervention. “In today’s Nigeria, people’s religious lives are clouded by fears—of adversaries, the future, poverty, and perceived threats—issues that cannot be resolved through fear alone,” he asserted.
He concluded by affirming that faith is crucial in tackling societal fears, urging that God should remain the central focus for those seeking practical solutions to life’s challenges.
