By Ebenezer Mabinuola
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has indefinitely postponed a series of prayer and fasting sessions originally planned to seek “Divine Intervention for Protection and National Development,” following widespread public criticism.
The sessions were scheduled for June 16, 23, and 30 at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, with staff instructed to attend while fasting. The directive, issued in a circular dated June 11 and signed by Director of Human Resource Management Mrs. Adedayo Modupe O., was disseminated across all departmental levels, from directors to value chain officers.
The announcement sparked swift backlash from Nigerians who viewed the initiative as misplaced amid a deepening national food crisis. With an estimated 30.6 million people facing acute food insecurity across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory—projected to rise to 33 million by August—critics argued that symbolic religious gestures cannot substitute for policy-based solutions. Rising inflation, climate shocks, insecurity, and poor agricultural infrastructure are driving the crisis.
A follow-up memo issued on June 14, also signed by Mrs. Modupe, confirmed the indefinite postponement of the sessions without providing a reason. However, the timing suggests the decision was influenced by public disapproval. The incident has reignited debate over the role of religion in governance, particularly in addressing urgent socio-economic challenges.
Observers are calling for immediate investment in irrigation, storage, farmer support, and food distribution. With over 52 million Nigerians projected to face hunger this season, the ministry faces pressure to pivot toward evidence-based interventions that can deliver real relief.
