A Catholic priest in Nasarawa State, Reverend Father Godwin Apesuu, has urged the federal government to take proactive steps and allocate more resources to alleviate the economic difficulties affecting households across the country. He emphasized that this move is essential to reducing the growing dissatisfaction and unrest among citizens.
Father Apesuu made this call during the 2024 Father’s Day celebration at Saint Michael Catholic Chaplaincy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
The event highlighted the severe economic challenges facing the nation, prompting many groups and organizations to explore alternative ways to sustain themselves. In line with this, the Catholic Church community at Nasarawa State University organized a programme aimed at helping members of the Catholic Men Organization (CMO) navigate the current economic climate by engaging in activities focused on economic survival and income generation.
During his sermon, Father Apesuu acknowledged the increasing pressure on men to meet their families’ daily needs due to the skyrocketing cost of basic goods. He stressed that while religious leaders would continue to offer prayers for the government, there is an urgent need for policymakers to translate their words into tangible actions that can ease the suffering of the population.
Dr. Vincent Paul, a resource person and faculty member in the Department of Entrepreneurship Studies at Nasarawa State University, also addressed the attendees. He pointed out that many suicide cases involving men stem from frustrations tied to a lack of resources to meet their families’ basic needs. Dr. Paul emphasized the importance of thinking creatively and exploring alternative means of livelihood in the face of such economic challenges.
In his lecture titled “Owning and Operating a Business for Survival in the Current Economic Hardship,” Dr. Paul urged men to avoid succumbing to desperation and anxiety. Instead, he advised them to adopt a new lifestyle and mindset to navigate the ‘new normal.’
Mr. Alex Expu, Vice Chairman of the Catholic Men Organization at Saint Michael Catholic Church, appealed to both the state and federal governments to continue creating more opportunities for citizens, particularly civil servants. He noted that the rising cost of living has rendered salaries insufficient, making skill acquisition essential for financial survival.
The event also featured interactive sessions focused on launching small and medium-scale businesses as alternative sources of income for families.