By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
As Christian faithful begins Lenten season with Ash Wednesday, the Bishop of Ibadan-North Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Williams Aladekugbe has appealed to the Federal Government to urgently intervene in the skyrocketing prices of food stuffs and other items in the country.
Aladekugbe made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday in Ibadan.
The NAN reports that the Ash Wednesday is a symbolic day observed by the Christian faithful to commence the 40 days fasting period before the Easter.
The day is commemorated with a symbolic mark of a cross on the forehead of the faithful by clergy men.
According to the bishop, Nigerians are hungry and angry, what we now experience is not what the president promised Nigerians.
"He said that we should put our minds to rest that prices of things will come down.
“Unfortunately, Nine Months into the government, everyone is in pains”, the Anglican Bishop lamented.
Aladekugbe also called on government to urgently intervene in the constant attacks in some parts of the country.
He called on the government and statutory security agencies to rise to their responsibilities of protecting the lives and property of citizens.
He however encouraged Nigerians to endure a little more, emphasising that ‘the future was bright.
The Bishop enjoined Christians to be fervent in prayers, abstain from all forms of sinful acts to attract the grace, mercy, favour and blessings of God.
“This period should be that of sober reflections, a time to seek the face of God through his word in prayers and good deeds.
“We are presently going through a lot and from all indications; it is only God that can assist us.
“Our efforts and human calculations have failed us. We need God to step into the situation of our dear country in such a time as this that there is economic downturn’’, he said.
According to him, Ash Wednesday is a solemn reminder of human mortality and the need for reconciliation with God and it marks the beginning of the penitential Lenten season.
He added that it is commonly observed with ashes and fasting and a period of penitential preparation for Easter.
“Ash Wednesday is a holy day of prayer and fasting. It is the first day of Lent and always falls forty-six days before Easter. On Ash Wednesday, Christians abstain from eating.
“Which-ever way we go about it, our earnest prayers is that may our fast be a testimony and witness of our humble submission to His high majesty”, he said. (NAN)
