Rita Odafe
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security
Facing public criticism, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has put a halt to its previous plan for prayer and fasting designed to seek divine support in alignment with the government’s aim for food security.
An internal memo, dated June 11 and signed by the Ministry’s Human Resource Management Director, Mrs. Adedayo Modupe O., had called upon key personnel, including directors and their deputies, to attend a sequence of prayer meetings at the ministry’s Abuja headquarters.
The initiative, titled “Divine Intervention for Protection and National Development,” was set to occur on June 16, 23, and 30.
The memo indicated that all employees were required to participate in fasting and attend the gatherings.
“We invite all staff of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food to a prayer session seeking God’s guidance in supporting the Government’s efforts toward achieving food security,” read the circular.
However, in a subsequent announcement, the same director revealed that the prayer initiative had been delayed indefinitely. No specific reason for this change was given.
This sudden shift followed significant backlash from social media users, many of whom questioned the wisdom of seeking spiritual solutions while countless Nigerians face escalating food costs and widespread hunger.
Critics maintained that the Ministry’s focus should be on tangible policy reforms, such as enhancing agricultural infrastructure, providing subsidies to farmers, and improving supply chain logistics.
“This isn’t the right moment for appearances or rituals. What Nigerians need are real food security strategies, not prayer agendas,” stated one commentator, echoing views commonly expressed online.
