Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, and the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have called for renewed collaboration between the Church and the government to improve public services and uplift the lives of Nigerians.
Both leaders emphasised the urgent need for Nigerian authorities to confront the growing challenges of hunger and poverty, noting that economic data alone cannot capture the harsh realities experienced by ordinary citizens.
They made the remarks at the double celebration of Rev. Fr. Maurice Emelu’s 20th priestly ordination anniversary and 50th birthday, held at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Umuchima, Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo State, over the weekend.
In his homily, Cardinal Onaiyekan lamented the rising level of hardship in the country.
“Fifteen to twenty years ago, Nigeria was poor but not hungry. Today, unfortunately, Nigerians are hungry. Our politicians talk about renewed hope, but there is little or nothing to sustain that hope, which for many has turned into hopelessness,” he said.
He added, “There is a growing burden of poverty in our nation—a tragic irony in a land richly blessed by God. President Bola Tinubu should not only listen to his advisers but come down and eat with the poor to truly feel their pain.”
Onaiyekan reaffirmed the Church’s long-standing commitment to education, healthcare, and social welfare, and commended Fr. Emelu for marking the occasion by feeding over 1,000 families—an act he described as worthy of emulation.
In his remarks, Obi, who joined other dignitaries at the event and also assisted in serving food to guests, said the Church’s charitable efforts reflect the kind of society Nigerians should aspire to build.
“This is the kind of society we want—one where people care for the needy. We need more individuals like Fr. Maurice who dedicate their lives to serving the poor,” Obi stated.
Responding, Rev. Fr. Maurice Emelu, a Professor of Communication and Digital Media and founder of the U.S.-based NGO, Gratia Vobis Ministries, Inc., said the celebration concluded a four-day outreach focused on charity.
“This charitable endeavour is an act of faith, a manifestation of the Jubilee of Hope, and a testament to what God has placed in my heart,” he said.
