Looming Hunger Pandemic: A wake up call to Churches and Church Leadership

By Prophet Ade Ologbonyo

Beloved Brethren,

I have taken my time to look at the issues of the Pandemic Covid -19 and its effect on Nigerians both economically and socially.



There have been directives of LOCK DOWN and STAY AT HOME from different authorities across the nation.

Even, these are supported by our spiritual leaders.


However, let me dig deep to the impact of lock down on average Nigerians and most especially, the poor in our midst


The lock down policy was designed to reduce the spread of CoronaVirus but there’s no plan to cushion effect on average Nigerians.


A lock down will go well with few who have their stores stocked up with varieties and who have reserves.


Lock down will have limited impact on the few that have savings in their bank accounts, which they can fall back to, in case of total economic collapse as a result of the lock down.


Has anyone thought about the POOR in our midst?

I mean those who are at the rock bottom of the economic pyramid, who can hardly afford ONE decent meal a day unless they hawk or engage in daily “earn as you work jobs”  such as laborers, cleaners, load carriers, food sellers, transporters etc.


Has anyone imagined what will be the lot of many, if the lockdown policy make employers decide not to pay their employees (as a result of negative effect on their businesses)?


Does anyone imagine how these people will survive the stay at home without earning livelihood,  we can't tell how long the situation will last?

Hmmm, it is well.


Now, UBA FOUNDATION has donated billions of naira to cushion and support government on this Pandemic.


Atiku Abubakar, Aliko Dangote & some other Philanthropists are still donating.


My question is,
WHAT ARE THE CHRISTIAN BODIES doing?


Brethren, it is high time we set up RELIEF CENTERS in our localities to give RELIEF MATERIALS, FOOD ITEMS and LITTLE CASH (from offerings and tithes that have been and are being collected) to the poor in our areas, without discrimination of religion or tribe.


The rich GO's, Overseers and Church Founders should remember the poor Pastors & Church workers who before the Corona Virus Crisis,
have had challenges with daily upkeep & responsibilities such as School fees, House Rents, Medical bills etc.


The children of some of them have been sent back home from school; some families have not been feeding well. They think "God, even if we are fasting are we not going to break?


Some can manage better when the children go out daily to school, but what happens when the lock down makes the whole house to be full without money or food".


What about the aged and elderly, who are no longer active and don’t really have anyone to cater for them from time?


What about the destitutes, the motherless and the orphans?


Christians, let us rise to save the poor and the disadvantaged  in our midst, who can be seriously affected by this lockdown.


They may be beaten down with HUNGER VIRUS while the RICH and ELITES are infected by CORONA VIRUS.


Government also, should put in their best at this perilous time and be faithful with whatever at their disposal.


No one should use this Corona to exploit others and profiteer.


Market women should not hike up prices of goods in the name of corona.


The Christian rich should behave as the likes of  Alh.Atiku, Dangote and Dr Paul Eneche of Dunamis.


Nobody will remember your big mansion, fleet of cars in your garage in the next 100 years.


How many children are asking about their great grandparents now.


Were they not powerful and rich in their own time?


You will only be remembered for your positive impact on the humanity, while on earth.


Christianity is the way of LOVE and GIVING to others.


JESUS LOVED US (even in our sinful state) and GAVE HIS LIFE FOR US.


Matthew 25:35-40 says

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat,    I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”


“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’


“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’


We cannot leave this responsibility to Government alone, especially in the face of other challenges of Government such falling price of crude oil, lack of accurate database etc.


Show the love of Christ this season of hardship, when it is most needed.

This is true Christianity.