Dr. Williams Aladekugbe, the Archbishop of Ibadan Province, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, has expressed concern that the ongoing economic crisis in the country is preventing many Christians from attending church services and making offerings.
He made this statement during the 1st Distinguished Alumni Lecture of the Department of Religious Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, held in Ibadan over the weekend.
Aladekugbe pointed out that the hardship has led some clergy to directly appeal to President Bola Tinubu, asking him to alleviate the economic struggles of the people.
In his lecture, titled “The Faith Once Delivered to the Saints in the Context of Contemporary Socio-Economic Challenges,” held at the Otunba Subomi Balogun Conference Centre, he said, “The current economic challenges, especially following the removal of the fuel subsidy, are impacting Christians across Nigeria.
Many families can no longer attend church services, and those who do attend often have no money to contribute for offerings or other needs.”
He emphasized that Christians, along with followers of other religions, are feeling the strain of the economic pressure.
This situation, he noted, led one cleric to ask President Tinubu for intervention during the burial of the late Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, saying, “You said it’s your turn, now save Nigerians from hunger.”
As Bishop of Ibadan North (Anglican) Diocese, Aladekugbe remarked, “In the past, Nigerians have protested against policies that harm the economy, and we are witnessing similar protests today against the current government’s economic policies.
Demonstrations have continued, yet the rising cost of living remains unchanged. Nigerians are calling on President Tinubu to end hunger and hardship.”
He further stated that various groups, including associations, traditional rulers, clerics, and the general public, have been suffering under the present economic policies.
“The reality is that Nigerians are frustrated, hungry, and angry,” he added.
Aladekugbe highlighted the severity of the current situation, with rising insecurity, poverty, and unemployment affecting the country.
He noted that the socio-economic reforms of the federal government have led to unprecedented hardship, with the soaring cost of food worsening the situation and contributing to an increase in crime.
According to the Archbishop, many Nigerians are expressing their frustration on social media, in public spaces, and even in social clubs, questioning the future of the country’s political structure and voicing concerns about their faith, with some asking, “God, where are you?”
He stressed that in times like these, the clergy has a vital role to play in helping people navigate depression, loss of hope, and even thoughts of suicide.
Aladekugbe called for more focus on preaching and teachings to help sustain the faith of Christians, encouraging them to believe that the current difficult period will eventually pass.
He explained that while fear is prevalent due to the current challenges, faith should be cultivated as a means of attracting divine intervention.
“In today’s Nigeria, people are overwhelmed by fears—fear of the unknown, poverty, and imagined problems. These fears cannot be solved without faith,” he said.
In response to the widespread fear, Aladekugbe emphasized that faith is the key to overcoming human problems and urged people to turn to God for practical solutions to the difficulties they face.
