Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor of the Catholic Diocese of Awka has expressed hope that 2017 would not be different from other years, noting that it would come with its sadness and joy.
Contrary to the prediction by some acclaimed prophets , he said Nigeria will not collapse.
The bishop made this known in his Christmas and New Year message in Awka, Anambra state capital on Wednesday, praying for a successful celebration and better fortune in the year ahead.
He called on Nigerians to be hopeful in the Nigerian project, assuring that the nation would still come out of its challenges.
Ezeokafor said, “Nigeria will not collapse; our people must continue to live in hope, Nigeria will still come out of the woods and the responsibility of revamping the economy is that of all of us, not government alone.
“I see hope but I encourage us to adjust to the new situation in the country.
“Any nation that cannot feed itself is doomed, we should endeavour not to spend on importation of food, I think the fall in oil price is good for us.
“However, the federal and state governments need to support the promotion of agriculture so that the nation can produce enough foodstuffs to feed its citizens and must combat all religious-related crises and other killings of innocent citizens.”
While condemning the act where the wealthy and people in urban areas made no room within their compounds for farming no matter how small, the bishop urged them to cultivate if only gardening as a hobby.
He added, “The crisis in the oil sector is a welcome development as it has redirected the attitudes of household and national economic managers.”
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