The Catholic Bishop of Kaduna Archdiocese, Most Rev. Matthew Man-oso Ndagoso, has called on President Bola Tinubu to expedite action towards subsidizing the cost of fertilizer for farmers.
The bishop made this plea during the celebration of Mass for the National Catholic Diocesan Priests Association (NCDPA) Kaduna chapter at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Television in Kaduna.
Bishop Ndagoso lamented that the cost of two bags of corn cannot buy a bag of fertilizer for this year’s farming season, making it difficult for indigenous farmers to afford the essential input.
He noted that the importation of food has helped crash food prices in the market but has enriched foreign markets at the detriment of local farmers.
The bishop emphasized that there cannot be food security in Nigeria when bandits have taken over most agrarian territories.
He highlighted the challenges of insecurity faced by religious leaders in Kaduna, where eight priests have been kidnapped, four killed, and one remains in captivity.
Bishop Ndagoso saluted the courage of priests who continue to serve in areas where others fear to tread.
He said, “We are called to serve the people, we are called to be with the people, and wherever the people are, that is where the priest is.”
He commended the priests for their bravery, noting that they administer sacraments, bury the dead, and provide support to the sick, even in the most remote and insecure area
Earlier, the Chairman of NCDPA Kaduna chapter, Rev. Fr. Joseph Gandu, commended the Kaduna State Government for its strides and landmark achievements in the past two years.
However, he lamented the selective rehabilitation of road networks, which appears to favor areas dominated by one religion over the other.
He urged Governor Senator. Uba Sani to ensure that roads in Christian-dominated settlements are also rehabilitated.
Bishop Ndagoso urges President Tinubu to subsidize fertilizer costs for farmers to boost food production.
He also said bandits’ takeover of agrarian territories hinders food security in Nigeria.
Priests serve courageously in insecure areas, administering sacraments and providing support.
Rev. Fr. Gandu laments selective road rehabilitation in Kaduna State, urging equal attention to Christian-dominated areas.