The Parish priest of St. Francis Catholic Church, Ekewan road, Benin, Reverend Father Andrew Obinyan, has given out money, clothes, and food to widows and poor members of the church as part of his regular empowerment program.
Speaking to the large group of people at St. Francis Church ground immediately after providing the welfare packages for the Easter celebration, Obinyan explained that the aim was to ensure that widows and poor church members have a comfortable life.
He urged politicians to work harder in implementing social welfare programs that would directly benefit the citizens and ensure a decent standard of living in the state.
Expressing concern about the increasing poverty, hunger, and suffering in the area, Reverend Obiyan emphasized that God listens to the cries of the poor.
He advised leaders and governments at all levels to not only focus on physical infrastructure but also make significant investments in reducing poverty and empowering young people.
He enthusiastically stated, “The government should develop and improve struggling industries in agriculture, textiles, health, housing, recreation, waste management, and recycling to create more job opportunities.
“Good governance also involves policies that support food security and the interests of farmers. Some politicians and their descendants will live in luxury while being unaffected by the unacceptable level of poverty.
“They should not neglect the poor and unemployed, especially the youth. The unfortunate part of the problem is the simplistic understanding and interpretation of good governance as solely building roads, bridges, and paying wages to contractors.
“Let the public have confidence in your promises, not with a feeling of fear, but with trust. God listens to the cries of the poor.”
