During the 2024 Men’s ‘Work-Week/Father’s Day Thanksgiving Service at the Methodist Cathedral of Unity in Wuse, Abuja, Most Rev’d Michael Akinwale, the Metropolitan and Archbishop of Abuja Methodist Church, made a heartfelt appeal to President Bola Tinubu.
The cleric urged the president to take decisive measures to mitigate the economic challenges currently burdening Nigerians.
Rev’d Akinwale highlighted the severe impact of the high cost of living, which has rendered basic necessities unattainable for many citizens. He emphasized the urgency of government intervention to alleviate the financial strain on households.
“A lot of homes are bleeding at this time. The government should do everything they can to cushion the effect of this battered economy,” he implored.
The archbishop underscored the divine responsibility of men to provide for their families, despite the economic challenges. He reassured the congregation that God is the ultimate provider and will make a way for those determined to fulfill their familial duties.
“To our president, I want him to understand that a lot of homes are bleeding at this time. The commoners are really complaining. The government should block every conduit pipe where our resources are being drained at the expense of the masses,” he said.
Rev’d Akinwale also spoke on the theme “Arise and Build,” emphasizing the critical role of fathers in both the home and the nation. He called on President Tinubu’s administration to take all necessary steps to stabilize the economy and ease the financial burdens on families.
“President Tinubu’s government should do everything it can to cushion the effects of this battered economy. It is becoming very difficult to maintain the family now because almost everything has skyrocketed. It is far beyond the reach of the common man.
As fathers of the nation, we want to use this Father’s Day to appeal passionately to the president to address the challenges. We understand that the administration is trying to entrench the stability of the economy, but the effect is really telling on the masses,” he said.
Quoting from Colossians 3:19, the archbishop urged men to love and provide for their families, despite the economic pressures.
“God is our provider. As long as we are resolutely determined as fathers to meet our responsibilities, God will always make a way for us,” he said.
Echoing the archbishop’s sentiments, Kayode Beckleg, president of the men’s fellowship in the church, acknowledged the tough times the country is facing. He encouraged men to remain hopeful, turn to God, and not abandon their families.
“Truly, the country is passing through tough times, but we should all realize that it is only by the grace of God that we are alive,” he said.
Mr. Beckleg’s words served as a reminder of the importance of faith and resilience in overcoming economic hardships.
