Socio-economic challenges: Remain positive, Bishop Odetoyinbo tells Nigerians

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo has called on Nigerians to be full of hope and remain positive despite the series of challenges confronting Nigeria as a nation. He encouraged every citizen to be an instrument of peace and national development.

Bishop Odetoyinbo said, “we believe that our present challenges as a nation do not have the last word about us. Our faith in God’s providence encourages us that in all of these conflicts, we come triumphantly victorious by the power of him who loved us. The present predicaments of our nation could put our faith to the test and make us begin to doubt the realization of peace with the rising cases of poverty, corruption, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, headers/farmers clashes, youth unemployment, and the irresponsive attitudes of our leaders and other realities that stare us in the face. Let us be full of hope and remain positive about the issues that confront us as a nation. Each one is encouraged to be an instrument of peace. One does not have to be a Christian to do this but must be a God fearing individual who understands the tenets of peace, reconciliation and nation building. If we acknowledge Him and journey with Him, He has promised to be with us through every challenge and with Him, we have nothing to fear. The power of the Christian is that he/she belongs to Christ. Therefore, let us not allow the fear and tension created by men to discourage us because God will not abandon us".