Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, has urged religious leaders to support the Federal Government in the communication, understanding and delivery of democratic dividends to the citizenry.
Idris made the appeal while declaring open the 2024 Synod of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
The conference has the theme, “Behold How Good and Pleasant it is for Brethren to Dwell Together in Unity”.
According to the minister, the convening of spiritual leaders of immense influence and experience could not have come at a better time.
“Your role as spiritual leaders in promoting peace, unity, and hope within our communities cannot be overstated.
“Just a few days ago, your collective voices were heard loud and clear, urging Organised Labour not to allow their grievances to lead to a shutdown of the national economy.
“We deeply appreciate this and other patriotic interventions from you.
“We are all united, as Nigerians, by a love of country and a consistent desire to see the peace, progress, and prosperity of the land.
“Though tribes, tongues, religion, and political beliefs may differ, in brotherhood we stand, eternally proud of our country and full of belief in the limitless potential of its present and its future.
“As a government, we need your support, advice, and feedback. Very importantly also, we need you to be aware of the efforts being made, and the challenges being faced.
“This is important, so that you can help us communicate these to your congregations and the general public,” Idris said.
The minister noted that, often, citizens are not aware of the opportunities arising from the implementation of government policies and programmes.
He said that many ordinary Nigerians had benefited and are benefiting from presidential loans, grant schemes and other interventions, without needing to have any ‘connection’.
Idris stressed that all they did was to follow a simple application process.
“Information and awareness are critical, and this is where our religious leaders come in.
“You have very influential platforms that can enlighten Nigerians on their rights, responsibilities, and the abundance of economic opportunities being thrown up by President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Idris said.
Meanwhile, the President-General of the CBCN, Prof. Leonard Kawas, called on Nigerians to be patient with the Tinubu Administration.
According to him, the current challenges in the country are not caused by the administration.
“But however, the President and his team are trying their best to ensure that we overcome those challenges, and make Nigeria a better place for all,” Kawas said. (NAN)