ASHENEWS reports that the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, has expressed deep concern over the looming threat of a national food crisis due to insufficient rainfall across Nigeria.
The Etsu Nupe who spoke to journalists in Minna called on Nigerians to pray to avert a potentially devastating drought in 2024.
He highlighted the erratic rainfall patterns observed during the current rainy season, which have raised alarms about the possibility of poor harvests while warning that such a scenario could exacerbate the already challenging socio-economic conditions in the country, leading to widespread hardship if food supplies dwindle.
“We have no option but to seek divine intervention for abundant rainfall this year so that there will be enough food to feed ourselves,” Abubakar stated. “If the rains do not come, the consequences will be unpalatable and the hardship that Nigerians are currently facing will be aggravated if most don’t have food to eat.”
The traditional ruler emphasized the importance of collective prayer, urging all Nigerians to seek God’s forgiveness and ask for His mercy. “Prayers are the most potent weapon we have in the face of any hardship, including insufficient rainfall,” he said. “Whenever any calamity befalls a society, the people must return to God for mercy and protection.”
Abubakar expressed optimism that with sincere prayers, God would respond with the much-needed rainfall, ensuring a bountiful harvest and alleviating the threat of food scarcity. He also reminded Nigerians to remain grateful for their blessings so far, trusting that their prayers would be answered in time to prevent a national crisis.