.. Advocates for urgent measures
By Daniel Tyokua
The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, His Grace Ignatius Kaigama has said the unabated kidnapping, banditry, unemployment and corruption remain a national embarrassment that concerted efforts must be taken to address the menace.
He said the proliferation of many forms of self-help security organizations is evidence of security deficiency, and the government should urgently open up discussion, debate and dialogue about the issues at hand, across political parties, religious or ethnic lines.
Bishop Kaigama stated this yesterday during an interactive session with media professionals to mark 2021 World Communications Day celebration in Abuja.
He said for democracy to thrive well insecurity and unemployment issues must be taken more serious by the government and individuals at all levels.
According to him, the herdsmen/farmers menace has festered and spread and has developed into banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and brutal killings.
“The rate of unemployment in Nigeria is not only alarming but a national embarrassment. Youths are looking for jobs that are not just there, more industries should be established to absorb the ever increasing yearly turn-out of graduates from our universities.
“Individuals also should not be dependent on the government, skills and vocational training should be learnt to establish and empower oneself” he said.
He regretted that the country’s economy is heading to doldrums which calls for urgent steps to tackle the menace.
On corruption, he said no government has come up with a clear template to fight and win the war against corruption, which he suggested that stringent measures should be taken by those in-charge.
The bishop explained that the religious leaders must always unify the people through good words and not divisive utterances that will ignite crisis in the society.
He called on the media to assist the country to build bridges that will create unity.
Kaigama disclosed that the World Communications day was instituted in 1967, by Pope Paul VI as annual celebration that encourages the Catholic faithful to reflect on the opportunities and challenges.
