3 days ago
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By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Bishop Leonard Umunna, General Overseer of Bible Life Church Cathedral, has lamented what he described as worsening living conditions in Nigeria, citing hunger, insecurity and economic hardship in the country.
He said the country has failed to translate its abundant resources into greater prosperity for its citizens.
Umunna spoke during an interview with journalists at his church in Lagos, where he expressed concern about the country’s development and the difficulties confronting ordinary Nigerians.
Asked whether life in Nigeria had improved, the cleric said he believed conditions had not become better for many people, arguing that the effects of government policies were central to the country’s challenges.
“Generally, no, things are not better now,” he said.
Umunna argued that Nigeria’s difficulties should not be blamed on a lack of resources, insisting that the country possesses substantial natural and human resources that could support national development and improve the welfare of its people.
He questioned why a country with such endowments continued to depend on external assistance instead of using its resources and capacity to strengthen its economy and improve its international standing.
According to him, Nigeria has the potential to contribute significantly to other African countries but has not adequately used its resources to address domestic needs.
The bishop linked the country’s development challenges to policy choices and leadership, arguing that the right people must be given opportunities to serve in positions of responsibility.
He called for leaders who are principled, capable and committed to the public interest, warning against corruption and ethnic considerations in the selection and conduct of public officials.
Umunna said Nigeria had people capable of providing effective leadership but needed to create opportunities for such individuals to emerge and contribute to national progress.
He also argued that sensitive national institutions should operate independently of political parties and government executives, maintaining that institutional independence was essential to improving governance.
The cleric’s comments extended to the challenges of insecurity and economic hardship, which he referenced while discussing the difficulties facing Nigerians. He maintained that principled leadership and better policy choices were necessary to address the country’s problems.
He urged Nigerians to look beyond superficial adjustments and focus on solutions that tackle the underlying causes of persistent national difficulties.
He maintained that Nigeria could make greater progress if its resources were better harnessed and public institutions were led by people committed to integrity, effective governance and the welfare of citizens.
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