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Catholic Bishops lament hardship, unemployment, insecurity in Nigeria
Hardship, unemployment, especially among young people, insecurity and other societal challenges facing the people, have drawn the concern of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN),, which told the government to address them without further delay
The conference spoke on Sunday during the 2025 First Plenary Meeting of the CBCN, held at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) in Abuja, expressed grave concern on rising poverty, food inflation, kidnappings, and the deplorable state of correctional facilities, calling for urgent and decisive action to address the crisis.
They urged the government to tackle the root causes of economic hardship and insecurity, emphasizing that millions of Nigerians were suffering under extreme conditions of poverty and fear.
The meeting was attended by Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri and President of CBCN; Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, Catholic Archbishop of Abuja; and Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN; with Archbishop Ugorji acknowledging some of the government’s economic and fiscal reforms, such as road rehabilitation, the student loan scheme, and debt servicing reduction.
According to Ugorji: “While we recognise the government’s efforts in implementing certain reforms, the reality remains that most Nigerians are struggling more than ever before.
“Food inflation has hit 39.84 percent, making it nearly impossible for families to afford three meals a day. The statistics are alarming, 129 million Nigerians are now living in multidimensional poverty. Palliatives and temporary relief programmes are not enough. We need sustainable solutions that address the root causes of economic hardship.”
The Bishops also raised alarms over worsening insecurity, with violent attacks by Boko Haram, bandits, and unknown gunmen increasing across the country.
Noting that kidnappings for ransom have escalated, with religious leaders among the latest targets, Ugorji highlighted the recent abduction of Father Philip Ekweli and a major seminarian, as well as the killing of Father Sylvester Okechukwu, as evidence of the growing threat.
“Our nation is under siege. We hear daily reports of innocent Nigerians being abducted, tortured, or killed by criminals who operate with seeming impunity. Even men of God are not spared. How much longer will we continue to live in fear? We call on the government to step up its security efforts, invest in intelligence gathering, and provide the necessary tools for our security forces to protect lives and property,” Ugorji declared.
With 53 percent of Nigeria’s young population unemployed, the bishops described Youth unemployment as a ‘ticking time bomb,’ warning that widespread joblessness was pushing many young people into crime, including internet fraud, armed robbery, and ritual killings.
The Bishops urged the government to invest in vocational training and job creation initiatives to prevent further social unrest and radicalization of frustrated youths.
Archbishop Ugorji lamented: “It is heartbreaking to see our young people lose hope in their country. Many have turned to crime out of desperation, while others risk their lives on dangerous migration routes in search of a better future. This is unacceptable. The government must prioritize job creation and vocational training programmes to engage our youths positively and prevent them from falling into the hands of criminal elements.”
The deplorable state of Nigeria’s Correctional Centres was also a major point of concern for the bishops as they criticized the overcrowded and inhumane conditions of the prisons where 60-90 percent of inmates are awaiting trial.
They stressed the need for judicial reforms to ensure timely trials, as well as improvements in prison infrastructure to align with global human rights standards just as they called for the expansion of rehabilitation programmes to help inmates reintegrate into society.
Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the CAN President, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the urgency of national healing and renewal, raising alarm that Nigeria is at a breaking point where citizens are overwhelmed by hunger, insecurity, and despair.
Okoh stated: “Our people are suffering like never before. Every day, families are forced to make heartbreaking choices, whether to eat or to pay school fees, whether to buy medicine or to pay rent. The gap between the rich and the poor has never been wider, and if we do not take urgent action, we risk plunging into deeper chaos. This is a time for national reflection and genuine efforts toward economic and social transformation.”
Similarly, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama decried the deepening economic crisis, stating that poverty and inflation have crippled millions of households.
He urged the government to prioritize economic policies that provide relief to struggling citizens, warning that prolonged hardship could lead to increased social unrest.
Kaigama also called for a cultural shift away from materialism and corruption, urging Nigerians to embrace values of honesty, integrity, and community support.
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Airline operators lambast Oshiomhole over ‘unruly’ airport incident, as Aviation minister orders investigation
Concerned citizens and organisations have continued to criticise former governor of Edo State, senator Adams Oshiomhole for disrupting operations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport earlier this week when he arrived late for a flight and resorted to selfhelp against the rules of engagement.
The latest condemnation is from the umbrella association of indigenous carriers – Airlines Operators of Nigeria,which described the senator’s action as unruly and unacceptable.
The spokesperson of the Airlines Operators of Nigeria, Prof Obiora Okonkwo, on Friday night said rights of air passengers are expected to confirm to rules of regulatory authorities for the safety of lives, rather than the caprics of an individual, no matter how highly placed.
“AON has had enough frustration and distractions in trying to offer services to Nigerians. Meanwhile, the one that just happened with the high-profile Nigerian is another distraction to us. We have taken an interest in all of the press statements released by the distinguished senator, and AON also had a full briefing from Air Peace on this incident.
“As much as we understand and appreciate the fact that every passenger has a right, it is only limited to what is allowed by ICAO and the aviation industry. There is no amount of disappointment, if at all, from any airline that should lead you to self-help. What happened is a typical example of unruly behaviour. That is not acceptable, Air Peace is a respectable airline, they carry 40-50 per cent of all the domestic passengers, and they deserve respect.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the matter and directed all aviation agencies to exercise restraint.
Keyamo appealed for calm and urged both sides to desist from further accusations and counter-accusations on the matter.
Last week Saturday, June 7, 2025, inside the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit, Michigan, something happened that stunned the world.
As the choir sang and the incense rose, Deacon Patrick Bruen walked toward the altar to be ordained a Catholic priest.
But just moments before that sacred rite…
He held his grandson in his arms.
Fifty-five priests surrounded him, watching in awe.
Not one of them had ever held their own child or grandchild.
Because Roman Catholic priests don’t marry.
But Patrick Bruen once did.
He was married to Georgiana, the love of his life, for 41 years.
Together, they raised 3 children.
Welcomed 15 grandchildren.
Laughed. Prayed. Worked. Wept. Grew old.
And then… Georgiana died in 2020.
In the quiet heartbreak of widowhood, Patrick heard God call again.
This time, to the altar of sacrifice, not the altar of matrimony.
And he said yes.
At 67 years old, Patrick entered seminary formation.
And on June 7, 2025, Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron laid hands on him.
He became Father Pat Bruen, a priest of Jesus Christ, forever.
📿 First, he said “I do” to his wife.
Now, he says “This is My Body” at the altar.
Two vocations. One faithful heart.
💬 “We’re both trying to live according to God’s plan,” he said, standing beside a much younger man ordained that same day.
“Though our lives are different, the call is the same.”
Because vocation is not a moment. It’s a lifelong conversation with God.
🔥 To every man discerning the priesthood, young or old:
This story is for you.
If you’ve ever felt too late…
Too broken…
Too far gone…
You’re not.
The priesthood isn’t just for the young.
It’s for the willing.
For the faithful.
For those who still dare to ask:
👉🏽 “Lord, what are You asking of me now?”
And have the courage to answer.
Welcome, Father Pat.
You once held your grandson.
Now, you hold the Eucharist.
You remind us all
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#CatholicChurch
#vatican.
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Israeli authorities launched dozens of airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and military targets, killing two Iranian top military generals.
Its military said a “pre-emptive, precise, combined offensive based on high-quality intelligence” had been launched – called Operation Rising Lion.
“Dozens of IAF je first stage that included strikes on dozens of military targets, including nuclear targets in different areas of Iran,” said a statement.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attack was to “roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival” and would last for “as many days as it takes to remove the threat”.
Iranian state media reported the head of the country’s powerful Revolutionary Guard, Hossein Salami, had been killed.
Mehr News said nuclear scientist Fereydoun Abbasi was also dead, as was theoretical physicist Dr Mohammed Mehdi Tehranchi and Major General Gholam Ali Rashid.
Iran’s media reported explosions northeast of capital Tehran early on Friday, and said buildings belonging to the armed forces were hit in the Mahalati complex north of the city.
The country’s Supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned of “severe punishment” and claimed residential areas had been targeted.
“In the enemy’s attacks, a number of commanders and scientists were martyred. Their successors and colleagues will immediately continue their duties,” said a statement reported by the Tasnim news agency.
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