Reverend Armstrong Ola Ajayi of First Baptist Church, Kano, has called on governments to provide an enabling environment that allows citizens to feed themselves and live dignified lives.
In his Christmas message, Reverend Ajayi emphasised that distributing palliatives, such as rice and indomie, is not a sustainable solution to poverty and hunger.
Instead, he urged governments to create conditions that enable people to be self-sufficient.
Reverend Ajayi commended the government’s efforts to provide palliatives but stressed that more needs to be done to address the root causes of poverty.
He noted that the country should not rely on palliatives but rather focus on creating an environment that fosters economic growth and job creation.
The reverend also highlighted the importance of Christmas, saying that Jesus Christ came to redeem humanity from oppression, agony, and depression.
He encouraged Christians to show love, kindness, and reconciliation to others, regardless of their tribe, religion, or cultural background.
Deacon Sadiq Suleiman and Deaconess Mary Bolatito Ayinde, who also spoke on the occasion, emphasised the importance of celebrating Christmas despite the challenges facing the country.
They encouraged Christians to focus on God and give thanks for the blessings they have received.
