In a recent address during the Christmas Carol event in Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the Catholic Bishop Emeritus of Abuja, has expressed deep concern over the escalating poverty levels under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
He emphasized the critical link between the growing economic hardship and the increasing trend of young Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad.
The Cardinal warned that a nation witnessing a mass exodus of its youth is heading towards a bleak future and urged urgent measures to address the pressing issue of rising poverty.
Onaiyekan expressed concern over the increasing disillusionment among the youth, attributing it to successive instances of poor governance at all levels.
He highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that the visible manifestation of this loss of confidence is the growing trend of young Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad, particularly in Europe, in pursuit of a better life. He underscored the imperative for immediate corrective action, warning that the future of Nigeria could be jeopardized if the current trend persists.
The former president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) stressed the responsibility of political leaders to organize and manage various sectors effectively, ensuring that hunger and poverty are eradicated. He lamented the alarming reports of increasing poverty rates and urged leaders to take proactive measures to address these issues.
Cardinal Onaiyekan conveyed his disappointment, stating, “A nation whose youths are running away has no future, and our political leaders need to rebuild that trust.” Despite the challenges, he expressed his commitment to remain in Nigeria and advocate for positive change, asserting, “I will stay here and continue to shout that the right thing should be done.”
In his earlier sermon during the Christmas celebration, Cardinal Onaiyekan encouraged Nigerians to embrace the spirit of giving, emphasizing that Christmas is a time to share joy with everyone. He urged individuals to resist the temptation of monopolizing the season and encouraged acts of kindness towards neighbors, emphasizing the importance of reaching out to those in need during this festive period.
