By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, His Grace Most Reverend Ignatius Kaigama, on Sunday, urged President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to pay more attention to the agitation and clamour for security, social justice, youth empowerment, and inclusiveness so as to address challenges facing the nation.

The prelate, who made the call when he spoke at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Dabi, Abuja, said the perceived failure of the government to listen to the cry of the people was responsible for the increasing number of youths seeking to flee the country.

READ ALSO:Kanu, Igboho not Nigeria’s problem, Ozobo, N’Delta activist tells Buhari

He said, “Jesus faced hostility at home and so refused to work miracles there. Our youths likewise feel unappreciated at home, and so, their faith in the country is shaken and they prefer to flee to other prosperous countries in search of greener pastures.

“Countries abroad become the beneficiaries of some of our best fleeing intellectuals, experts, and skilled personnel. Little wonder, the US, UK, Canadian, and other embassies in Nigeria are often crowded with young people seeking visas to ‘check out.

“My plea to those who have no other choice than to leave our fatherland is to come back after finding knowledge, treasure and socio-economic balance. Do not forget your roots, culture and language, or allow the frustrations you experienced at home to make you hate your fatherland.

“May God grant you success, and when you succeed, look back on your beloved country with magnanimity, and seek to promote her interests.

“The government must on its part pay particular attention to the genuine agitations and clamour of Nigerians for social justice, inclusive governance, improved security, adequate social services, increased youth empowerment and seek ways of meeting the legitimate needs of the masses.

“Nigeria must celebrate her own, failure of which forces our young people to escape elsewhere due to what an ancient philosopher Pythagoras, would describe as ‘might is right,’ namely, where the rich, influential and powerful are always right, and even those who fleece our common patrimony are bestowed with prestigious traditional, religious, academic or national honours.”