society
Praying While Nigeria Burns: How Religious Cowardice Has Replaced National Responsibility
Praying While Nigeria Burns: How Religious Cowardice Has Replaced National Responsibility
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
In a country where churches and mosques line every street corner, where vigils echo louder than town hall meetings and where men of God are treated like royalty, Nigeria in 2025 is still groaning under the weight of insecurity. From banditry in the North-West, terrorism in the North-East, secessionist unrest in the South-East and rampant kidnapping across the South, Nigerians continue to live under siege. Yet, rather than confronting the root of this evil, too many of our religious leaders are asking citizens to “pray harder.”
If prayer alone could guarantee security, we would not need the police, the military, intelligence services or national security councils. We would simply replace the Ministry of Defence with a Ministry of Intercession. Unfortunately, this is not heaven, it is a country under attack and prayer is not a national security policy.
The Dangerous Illusion of Prayer as a Policy
The recent calls from Nigerian clerics urging citizens to “seek God’s intervention” against rising insecurity are not just misguided, they are dangerously irresponsible. It represents a national culture of escapism, one that tries to outsource responsibility to divine forces rather than holding government accountable or proposing concrete solutions.
As the saying goes, “God has no hands but ours.” Even the Bible itself warns against blind faith without action. James 2:17 declares: “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” In Islam, the Hadith encourages believers to “tie your camel first, then put your trust in Allah.” So why are Nigeria’s men of God promoting helplessness?
Nigeria’s Grim Security Reality
According to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2024, Nigeria remains one of the top 10 countries most impacted by terrorism, trailing only behind countries like Afghanistan and Syria. Boko Haram, ISWAP, Fulani herdsmen and bandits have killed over 80,000 Nigerians since 2011. The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) reported that over 5,000 Nigerians were killed or kidnapped between January and October 2024 alone.
President Bola Tinubu’s administration has repeatedly promised security reform, but the streets tell a different story. Communities in Zamfara, Niger and Borno continue to pay “taxes” to bandits. Schools are shut down in large swathes of the North for fear of abductions. In the South-East, military checkpoints have turned into extortion points while criminals hide under political agitation.
Yet, despite these glaring facts, instead of storming government houses with demands for justice and reform, our spiritual leaders are organizing “national days of prayer.”
Spiritual Cowardice in Robes and Collars
Many of Nigeria’s revered pastors and imams have simply chosen the path of least resistance. Rather than speak truth to power like the prophets of old like Elijah who confronted kings or Imam Ibn Taymiyyah who defied tyrants, they’ve become chaplains of the corrupt elite. Their pulpits are now platforms for praise-singing those in power, not calling them to accountability.
When was the last time you heard a popular megachurch pastor directly criticize Nigeria’s defense budget mismanagement? Or an influential imam demand police reform beyond platitudes? What we hear instead are sermons about “spiritual warfare” against “evil forces in high places” a euphemism that conveniently keeps them from naming names.
As Martin Luther King Jr. rightly said, “A time comes when silence is betrayal.” Nigeria’s religious leaders are betraying their flocks by cloaking cowardice in the garment of faith.
The Economics of Prayer-Based Leadership
Part of the reason religious leaders lean so heavily on prayer is because insecurity is good for business. The more afraid people are, the more likely they are to run to churches and mosques for solace. It creates a dependency loop, terror feeds fear, fear drives faith and faith fills offering baskets.
Nigeria’s religious industry is worth billions. Churches and mosques build estates, own private jets and have media empires. In many parts of Nigeria, clerics wield more power than governors. But what do they use that influence for? Is it to demand security architecture reform? No. It is to tell you that you were kidnapped because your “spiritual hedge was down.”
There is a difference between spiritual leadership and religious profiteering. The latter thrives in chaos.
What Real Leaders Do
History provides us with examples of faith leaders who were not afraid to fight for justice. Archbishop Desmond Tutu in apartheid South Africa used the church as a base for resistance, not resignation. Malcolm X spoke against oppression from the mosque, not merely prayed it away. In Nigeria, the likes of Archbishop Anthony Olubunmi Okogie and Sheikh Gumi (in his earlier years) stood for justice not silence.
The role of the clergy should be prophetic not passive. Nigeria does not need intercessors who romanticize passivity; we need warrior-priests who will take bold stands and tell the government, “Your failure is unholy.”
Security Is a Civic Duty, Not a Spiritual Event
The Nigerian government budgets billions for defense. In the 2024 national budget, over N3.25 trillion (about $2 billion) was allocated to security, yet insecurity remains a constant. The issue is not prayer; it is poor governance, corruption, lack of intelligence coordination and under-equipped forces.
Prayer is a private discipline; security is a public responsibility. No amount of fasting can stop a bandit with an AK-47. What stops him is law enforcement, intelligence and effective prosecution. Those who keep shifting the burden to God are enabling the failure of man.
As Thomas Jefferson once said, “God helps those who help themselves.”
What Must Change?
Religious Accountability: Men of God must be held to account for what they preach. Those who perpetuate fear instead of faith, and compliance instead of courage, should be challenged publicly.
Civic Education: Citizens must be taught that while prayer is valuable for personal peace, it is no substitute for civic engagement. Nigerians must demand results from security agencies, lawmakers and local leaders.
Security Reform: The Nigerian government must invest in not just military hardware but in intelligence, rapid response units, community policing and forensic investigation capabilities.
Courageous Clergy: Nigeria needs a new generation of fearless clerics, imams and pastors who will occupy not just prayer grounds, but protest grounds.
Demystify Religious Authority: Nigerians must stop giving religious leaders uncritical reverence. Ask questions. Demand clarity. Challenge false narratives.
Final note
Nigeria’s insecurity crisis is not just the failure of government; it is the silence of the pulpit. While prayer is noble, when used to mask cowardice, it becomes spiritual malpractice. The nation is bleeding. Children are being kidnapped. Farmers are being slaughtered. Soldiers are dying. And instead of resistance, we get prayer requests?
If Jesus overturned tables in the temple to cleanse corruption, what excuse do today’s religious leaders have for shaking hands with tyrants and thieves? If Prophet Muhammad led his followers to battle for justice, why are Nigerian imams calling for passivity?
A praying nation is a powerful thing. But a nation that prays without action is doomed to die with folded hands.
society
Aliko Dangote Foundation Distributes 40,000 bags of rice to People Living with Disabilities, vulnerable in Ogun Others
Aliko Dangote Foundation Distributes 40,000 bags of rice to People Living with Disabilities, vulnerable in Ogun Others
In furtherance of its National Food Intervention programme, the Aliko Dangote Foundation has commenced the distribution of 40,000 bags of rice in all the 20 local government areas in Ogun State, with priority to People Living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in the State
Speaking during the flag-off of the distribution of the 10kg bags of rice to the people of the State in Abeokuta, Governor Dapo Abiodun commended the Foundation saying the donation of the gift items to the state indigenes was in tandem with his government’s efforts aimed at providing succor to the people during this trying period.
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi at the flag-off ceremony held at the Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, expressed satisfaction that the Foundation has been partnering with the state in various sectors, including health, empowerment, and security.
Governor Abiodun recalled the crucial roles played by the ADF during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the effects of the disease by providing critical infrastructure. He added that the Foundation has also been of tremendous support to the Ogun State security architecture with patrol vans, among other contributions.
“When corporate organizations engage in initiatives like this, we should highlight them so that others can learn from them. Not everything is about coming, making money, and leaving. This is a gesture that should be replicated by every corporate entity because you have to empathize with the people, and I think what the Dangote Foundation has done is to consistently prioritize care for people,” he said.
Governor Abiodun cautioned against the sale of the food items, stating that anyone caught selling them would face consequences and that the state will monitor the distribution to be sure those who are meant to get them actually get them.
“To our market women, don’t say that someone brought it to you and you are now selling it. The rice is meant to be given to the people free of charge; it is for empowerment,” he warned
Earlier in her address of welcome, Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Mrs. Funmi Efuape, acknowledged the support the Dangote Foundation has given to the state government and the various Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives it has undertaken for its host communities.
The Head of Operations, Aliko Dangote Foundation, Mr. Victor Edero, in his goodwill message, said the Foundation initiated the food intervention programme to help contribute to the federal government efforts for food security so that Nigerians especially the vulnerable have access to the most staple food, rice at this period of global economic downturn.
He explained that ADF focuses on three core areas: health, empowerment, and nutrition, and has partnered with governments at all levels to provide a lift in all the sectors
The National Food Intervention initiative, according to him is borne out of the current economic situation where people find it difficult to make ends meet, adding that the foundation is partnering with the state government to bring succor to the less privileged in society, calling for equitable distribution to all beneficiaries.
The Iyaloja General of Ogun State, Mrs. Yemisi Abbas, appreciated the Dangote Group for always identifying with the people, while appealing to the Foundation to initiate a loan scheme as a form of empowerment to eradicate poverty in the state.
Representatives of People Living with Disabilities, the Trade Council, and the Youth Council, one after another, thanked Alhaji Aliko Dangote for his magnanimity and also lauded the state government for always seeking ways to mitigate the people’s suffering, stating that the collaboration with Dangote is an indication that the government and the private sector can work together for the good of the people.
On the occasion, representatives of People Living with Disabilities, Widows, Trade Council, Youth Council, Market women, Artisans, and other women’s groups were given bags of rice for onward distribution to their members.
Senator Jibrin Barau @66: Footprints of a Political Powerhouse and Philanthropist -by Tayo Williams
_“He realised early in life that fate had thrust upon him a huge task of unifying the different interests in the political power play of the Northwest while ensuring that no human was left to suffer any sort of deprivation.”_
Senator Jibrin Barau turns 66 today, June 19. Unlike his peers, he covets no vanities and demands no gaudy celebration to glorify his exploits as a man and leader of men. Despite his towering achievements, the soft-spoken but brilliant senator remains an epitome of modesty, resilience, and transformative leadership.
Though not a landmark birthday that would have occasioned a rousing celebration, it is, however, for the revered Deputy Senate President, a resounding testament and poignant reminder of Allah’s (SWT) profound love and abiding grace over his life.
Friends and political associates say that Senator Jibrin is so unassuming because he realised early in life that fate had thrust upon him a huge task of unifying the different interests in the political power play of the Northwest while ensuring that no human was left to suffer any deprivation. Hence, he takes nothing for granted, and he is a walking embodiment of gratitude to God for the grace and good health to wake up daily without any aches and anxieties.
Blessed with cutting-edge political intelligence and an incredibly fecund mind that is only tempered by unpretentious compassion, Senator Jibrin’s philanthropy is intrinsic and deep-rooted, not contrived or cosmetic.
Despite the widespread impact of his philanthropic activities, providing a wide range of social welfare programs with the intent to be the voice of those who desperately need help, he doesn’t make a song and a dance of them. That is why noiseless but far-reaching philanthropy is his watchword. Senator Jibrin shares in the angst of his people and tries as much as possible to brighten their year with numerous gifts and food items. He is proof positive that the line between politics and philanthropy is thin.
Also, through the Barau I Jibrin Foundation (BIJF), founded many years ago to provide humanitarian assistance, empower youths, promote academic excellence, and provide educational opportunities, particularly for graduates from the Kano North Senatorial District, Senator Jibrin has touched thousands of lives.
In recognition of the fundamental role education plays in shaping society, the foundation’s scholarship programme is expanding educational access for young Nigerians through fully funded scholarship programs, both domestic and foreign, focusing especially on fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, cyber security, and forensic science, among others.
Recently, the foundation awarded postgraduate scholarships to 300 students within Nigeria, while postgraduate foreign scholarships in M. Tech. (Information Security & Cyber Forensics), M. Tech. (Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning), and M. Tech. (Robotics Sciences) have been awarded to successful applicants as part of efforts to contribute towards the country’s technological advancement.
Indeed, Senator Jibrin is one of Nigeria’s most impactful senators, with a robust catalogue of people-centric bills addressing critical areas of our national life, including infrastructure, education, youth and human development, healthcare, etc. The fact that he doesn’t joke with these essential areas of life and the passion and resources he channels into addressing them in Kano and everywhere in between have placed him on a pedestal above his colleagues.
He continually harnesses his political influence and resources to better his people’s lot while evolving into a centripetal force for Nigeria’s most populous geopolitical zone, the Northwest. Beyond that, he has facilitated several projects like the construction of rural roads to enhance connectivity and the installation of solar-powered boreholes for access to clean water in Kano North. His health initiatives include the building or renovation of medical facilities, maternal and child health programs, distribution of medical supplies, and the equipping of health centres to improve access to essential health services.
Born in Kabo, Kano State, the erudite Senator Jibrin holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting, a master’s degree in financial management and pricing, a master’s degree in management, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). He also holds a degree in Financial Management for Business Decisions from Cornell University, United States. His foray into politics started with his election as a member of the House of Representatives for the Tarauni Federal Constituency in 1999.
His peerless fiscal expertise and experience saw him chairing the House Committee on Appropriations. He was also a member of the House Committee on Power. A former chairman of the Kano State Investment and Properties Ltd. and commissioner of science and technology in the state, Jibrin was first elected into the Senate in 2015 and won re-election in 2019 and 2023, respectively. He also served as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation for the 9th Senate.
Though he was the front-runner for the senate presidency in the 10th Assembly, he respected the party’s zoning arrangement and agreed to be deputy senate president. However, that does not in any way detract from the unparalleled wealth of experience that he has acquired as a third-term senator and the highest-ranking senator from the Northwest. Those who should know reckon that for the APC to make any meaningful impact in the Northwest in the 2027 elections, this ‘Birthday Boy’ has a huge role to play.
-Williams is a Lagos based media executive
Ijede Community Rises Up to Tackle High Transportation Costs
By Ifeoma Ikem
The Ijede community, in Ijede Council Area of Lagos State, is sounding the alarm over the exorbitant cost of transportation, which has become a significant challenge for residents. The community is calling on stakeholders to invest in transportation businesses to alleviate the financial burden on residents and improve overall accessibility.
According to Comrade Musediq Olumide, Coordinator of the Ijede Youth Unified Forum, the situation is dire, with residents struggling to get vehicles to their destinations on a daily basis.
The scene of people standing helplessly for hours waiting for buses is a disheartening one, with students, pregnant women, aged and nursing mothers among those affected.
Olumide expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs, noting that some unscrupulous drivers have taken to flimsy excuses to avoid plying the Ijede route.
He recounted his own experience of having to change his route to take people to Itamaga, near Ikorodu town, just to ease their pain. Meanwhile, private cars were seen going almost empty, without consideration for those stranded by the roadside.
This situation has highlighted the need for stakeholders to take action. Olumide is calling on all stakeholders, including the custodian of the land, community heads, the political class and concerned residents, to work together to improve the transportation system in Ijede Local Council Development Area.
While commending the Executive Chairman of Ijede LCDA, Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo Alogba, for creating a temporary motor park to have a structured and effective logistics system, Olumide emphasized the need for community-based vehicles to make it functional. He also lauded Hon. Abiodun Moshood Aro AMA for his involvement in fast-tracking the project.
Olumide urged those who are financially capable to invest in transportation businesses, stressing that community buses plying the Ijede-Ikorodu route would greatly alleviate the suffering of residents.
He stressed that it is the collective responsibility of all to make Ijede LCDA habitable for all and encouraged ever
yone to contribute their quota.
The community is eager to see a change in the transportation landscape, and with the right investments and initiatives, it is possible to create a more efficient and affordable system that benefits all residents.
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