It’s time to Teach Nigerians “how to fish”: Catholic Bishop on Alleviating Poverty

The Nigerian Catholic Church leader also highlighted the urgent need for economic growth in Edo State, particularly in the Uromi Diocese. 

He called on the newly elected governor to prioritize investment and job creation to curb mass migration from rural areas to cities in search of opportunities.

“We talk about poverty, but part of it is mass rural-urban migration. Young people are leaving because they think there are jobs in the cities. But often, they get there and become even poorer. If we create opportunities here, they will stay,” he said.

Bishop Ogun however cautioned against investors who exploit local communities, particularly those from China. 

“We need investors who will stay and build, not those who will come and take over without benefiting the people. Collaboration is key, but it must be fair,” he said.

The Nigerian member of the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA), Bishop Ogun also encouraged Priests to remain steadfast in their mission, urging them not to be discouraged by numbers in their parishes.

“A Priest in a parish probably has 200 parishioners and says, 'my congregation is not big,' comparing himself to a group with 350 people. But he forgets that those 200 are part of a much larger Catholic family—1.3 billion Catholics worldwide,” he said.

He stressed that faith should not be reduced to a numbers game, as God's calling is personal and unfolds in His time.

The Local Ordinary of Uromi Diocese further underscored the importance of education in the Church's mission. 

He lamented the government's reluctance to return mission schools to the Church but affirmed the diocese's commitment to providing quality education.

“The first missionaries brought education because if you don’t understand the language, how can you grasp the faith? Education is integral—it shapes intellect, character, and spirituality. It produces leaders who are not only good Christians but good citizens,” Bishop Ogun said.

Citing St. Paul, the 58-year-old Nigerian bishop explained the connection between education and evangelization. "How will they believe if they do not hear? And how will they hear if they do not understand? Education is key to strengthening faith."

Reflecting on his decade-long service in Uromi Diocese, Bishop Ogun who was ordained a Bishop in January 2015 expressed profound gratitude to the Priests, Religious leaders, Catechists, and Christians who have supported his Diocese. 

“The joy of doing 10 years feels almost unreal. So much has been done, but everything to the glory of God. My greatest achievement is that God chose me instead of another. I still have some 15 or 16 years to go. But in the next 10 years, I will begin to prepare for retirement. Whatever happens, we thank God for the past, believe in God for the present, and commit the future into His hands,” he said.