Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, has urged religious leaders to support the Federal Government in the communication, understanding, and delivery of democratic dividends to the citizenry.
Idris made the appeal while declaring open the 2024 Synod of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
The conference, themed “Behold How Good and Pleasant it is for Brethren to Dwell Together in Unity,” was the perfect occasion for his call to action.
According to the minister, the convening of spiritual leaders of immense influence and experience could not have come at a better time.
“Your role as spiritual leaders in promoting peace, unity, and hope within our communities cannot be overstated,” Idris said.
“Just a few days ago, your collective voices were heard loud and clear, urging Organized Labour not to allow their grievances to lead to a shutdown of the national economy. We deeply appreciate this and other patriotic interventions from you.
“We are all united, as Nigerians, by a love of country and a consistent desire to see the peace, progress, and prosperity of the land.
Though tribes, tongues, religion, and political beliefs may differ, in brotherhood we stand, eternally proud of our country and full of belief in the limitless potential of its present and its future.
As a government, we need your support, advice, and feedback. Very importantly also, we need you to be aware of the efforts being made and the challenges being faced.
This is important so that you can help us communicate these to your congregations and the general public.”
The minister noted that often citizens are not aware of the opportunities arising from the implementation of government policies and programs.
He said that many ordinary Nigerians had benefited and are benefiting from presidential loans, grant schemes, and other interventions without needing to have any ‘connections.’ Idris stressed that all they did was follow a simple application process.
“Information and awareness are critical, and this is where our religious leaders come in. You have very influential platforms that can enlighten Nigerians on their rights, responsibilities, and the abundance of economic opportunities being provided by President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Idris said.
Meanwhile, the President-General of the CBCN, Prof. Leonard Kawas, called on Nigerians to be patient with the Tinubu Administration.
According to him, the current challenges in the country are not caused by the administration. “However, the President and his team are trying their best to ensure that we overcome those challenges and make Nigeria a better place for all,” Kawas said.
