As Nigeria grapples with a cost of living crisis, the Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, Dr. James Odedeji, has urged for peace ahead of the nationwide protests scheduled from August 1-10, 2024. The protests are being organized by Nigerians dissatisfied with the prevailing economic conditions.
Addressing journalists in Lagos on Monday, during the announcement of the annual peace award and investiture organized by the Apostles of Peace Society International, Bishop Odedeji emphasized the necessity of maintaining peace despite the economic challenges. He acknowledged the widespread hunger and hardship but stressed the importance of finding peaceful solutions to these issues.
"How do we solve our differences at this critical time? It is not accidental that we chose the theme: ‘Peace in Nigeria’," said Bishop Odedeji. "We can all see how the theme of this year’s award is so apt at this time in our nation when there’s anger caused by hunger, inflation, turbulence, and tension in the land."
The peace award event will honor notable figures including Chief Bisi Akande, former Osun State Governor; Sir Obi Okafor, the Group CEO of Blue Star Group; and Captain Ado Sanusi, the CEO of Aero Contractors. The lecture will be delivered by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola.
Bishop Odedeji also highlighted the role of the government in addressing the economic crisis. "As part of our peace advocacy, the government will be reminded of their promises to make life worth living for the citizens," he said. "The government needs to be reminded of the sensitivity of human existence because when the poor cannot eat, the rich will not be able to sleep. You cannot beat a child and tell him not to cry."
He warned that societal unrest is a consequence of unmet needs. "Society produces crime when the people in the society are not happy, when they are not being cared for, they take laws into their own hands," he noted. The Bishop called for a balanced approach where both the government and citizens work together to find a way forward.
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