Bishop seeks collaborative efforts to overcome Nigeria economic challenge

Catholic Bishop of Jalingo Diocese, the Most Rev. Dr. Charles Harmawa wants Nigerians irrespective of party differences to critically examine issues confronting the nation and come out with ways to overcome the country’s economic challenge.

Harmawa was speaking yesterday in Jalingo at the opening of the 17th General Assembly of the Catholic Diocese of Jalingo held at Bishop Baromeo Pastoral Centre in Jalingo the Taraba state capital.

According to him, some of the most pressing challenges confronting the nation at the moment were acute fuel scarcity, and the general hike in the cost of living and urged economic experts and others to support the President to overcome the challenges.

“The nation is currently experiencing one of the most difficult times in our national history. The cost of buying fuel and other commodities has gone up sharply. These challenges are not just as a result of decline in oil revenues, but a desperate action by some people against the Nigeria state.

“We must not succumb to frustration. We must stand tough and look at the totality of issues of our existence. We have to shift attention from stomach infrastructure and look towards building a lasting legacy for generations yet unborn”, he said.

The cleric urged the people to depend on God and be open to new realities and possibilities available with a view to addressing the challenges.

He enjoined Nigerians to depend on God for the grace to carry on in the face of stiff opposition, daunting challenges, cruel persecution, and unprecedented hardships and not be carried away by the challenges of life.

In a remarks, Chief David Gbaa (Ter Bali II) condemned continue attacks on the people and the church in central and southern parts of the state. He decried the situation where some people are removing blocks of destroyed churches and building private house, saying its sacrilege of the church.

He enjoined the church to continue to promote peaceful coexistence among the people and appeal to government and corporate bodies to support the church in her quest to reach out to victims of attacks in the state.

Rev Fr. Anthony Nzizang in a key note address noted that globalisation and advancement in communications technology has changed economic, social, political, religious and cultural configurations, throwing up great confusion to be managed.

He then advised the Church to be steadfast in championing the cause of national unity and the dignity of human life, irrespective of political, cultural, economic and social challenges confronting the society.