Days after 10 Die in Food Distribution Stampede in Nigeria, Archbishop Urges Collective Action to End Hunger

“With the promises being made by President Bola Tinubu, we hope these challenges will be addressed effectively, and we shall never see Nigerians scrambling for food, searching for food in the dustbin, or even going to look for things where they shouldn't go and dying in the process,” he said.

President Tinubu, Archbishop Kaigama said, “is aware of the food problems, the economic crisis, and hardships that are all over the place. And he is promising something better this year. So, I say, let us see what happens.”

The Catholic Church leader, who started his Episcopal Ministry in April 1995 as Bishop of Nigeria’s Jalingo Diocese called for a united effort involving the government, private sector, and faith-based organizations to tackle the root causes of hunger and poverty. 

“We must work together to liberate Nigeria from this shackle of poverty and social deprivation,” he said.

Archbishop Kaigama appealed for patience and prayers and acknowledged with appreciation the resilience of Nigerians amid challenges.  

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Days after 10 Die in Food Distribution Stampede in Nigeria, Archbishop Urges Collective Action to End Hunger

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“Nigerians are resilient people. We are suffering, and yet we are still smiling,” he said.

The Nigerian Catholic Archbishop faulted the tendency of government officials to rationalize failures rather than take responsibility. 

Reflecting on the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year, Archbishop Kaigama encouraged Catholics to actively participate in the celebrations. “Let every Catholic do something, and we shall celebrate the Year of Hope truly, very hopefully,” he said, alluding to the theme of the initiative that Pope Francis officially launched on Christmas Eve, “Pilgrims of Hope”.

“We urge patience and prayers, and we are hopeful that things will go well,” he told ACI Africa during the January 1 interview. 

Abah Anthony John is a Nigerian Journalist with great enthusiasm and interest for Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria. He has vast experience in Print,  Electronic and Multi-Media Production.