By Gbenga Sodeinde
Ado-Ekiti
A senior cleric, Most Rev. Dr. Oluwaseun Raphael Fagbohun, has urged Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, to strengthen efforts aimed at addressing inflation and economic hardship in the state, noting that Ekiti has been significantly affected by rising prices.
Bishop Fagbohun, the Presiding Bishop of the Old Catholic Apostolic Church, Nigeria, and President of African Old Catholic Churches in Nigeria, made the remarks during the church’s annual thanksgiving service held on December 20, 2025, in Iyin-Ekiti.
The retired pioneer chaplain of the Nigeria Police Force, Force Headquarters, Abuja, observed that Ekiti’s agrarian profile would ordinarily position it to better withstand food inflation, unemployment, and poverty.
He stated that, from his perspective, current economic conditions in the state appear to contrast with official assurances, adding that available data indicate Ekiti has recorded high inflation figures in recent months.
According to him, the situation raises questions about why food prices in the state are reportedly higher than in major cities such as Abuja and Lagos, despite Ekiti being a producer of several agricultural commodities.
Bishop Fagbohun acknowledged the state government’s ₦1 billion agricultural empowerment programme targeting about 5,000 youths but expressed the view that the intervention may have limited impact on large-scale agricultural productivity.
He noted that the average disbursement of about ₦200,000 per beneficiary may be inadequate given the current cost of agricultural inputs.
The cleric suggested that the state government could consider reviewing its economic strategies and personnel to enhance efficiency, adding that technical expertise is essential for effective economic management.
He, however, commended Governor Oyebanji for efforts made in maintaining security in the state and encouraged similar focus on addressing economic challenges.
According to him, while Ekiti has remained relatively peaceful, economic concerns such as rising living costs and reduced purchasing power remain key issues affecting residents.
Bishop Fagbohun also referenced national economic reforms, noting that policy decisions at the federal level are often complex but aimed at long-term stability.
He further expressed concern over reports of attacks on Christians in parts of the country, while acknowledging that Ekiti State has largely remained calm.
He concluded that economic hardship currently represents one of the major challenges facing residents of the state.
Good evening everyone I hope everything is fine