I recently came across a circular from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture inviting staff to a prayer session “for God’s guidance and success in supporting the government’s efforts to achieve food security” . I was stunned beyond belief. Being a fish farmer, myself, it felt like a cruel joke. How did we get here?
The truth is painful. Today, Nigeria’s food-producing regions namely Benue, Plateau, Kaduna states are under siege. Armed Fulani herdsmen have overrun farms, destroyed villages, and murdered farmers. Our food baskets are now blood-soaked. Security agencies remain paralyzed or indifferent. The Federal Government? Silent.
And now, instead of action, we’re asked to pray. Pray? How?
Nigeria is already one of the most religious countries on earth. Yet corruption, hunger, and violence thrive. We’ve prayed for decades. But you can’t plant cassava with hallelujahs. You can’t water tomatoes with verses from the Quran. We must act.
Even our religious leaders aren’t helping. Many have become businessmen in cassocks, collecting tithes and selling false hope to secure residence in heaven. They discourage critical thinking and hard work in favor of “miracles.” This is not spirituality. It’s sabotage.
What we need is leadership that secures farmers, punishes land grabbers, compensates victims, and reforms agricultural policy with urgency. Where security fails, communities must organize vigilante groups to defend themselves. Waiting for help is now a death sentence.
It’s time we stop spiritualizing governance. Nigeria needs policies, not prayers. Food, not fasting. Security, not sermons.
Let’s feed the people before sending them to heaven.
Dr Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu writes ✍️ from Ibadan
Email: akeredolubetty@gmail.com
X: @DrIgoloAbiam
