The Catholic Church issued a plea to the Federal Government, urging them to subsidize food items instead of distributing palliatives to select individuals for personal gain. Archbishop Gabriel Leke Abegunrin of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan conveyed this message during an interaction with journalists at the Justice, Development and Peace Commission in Ibadan. Abegunrin proposed that subsidizing costly food items in markets would make them more accessible to the masses compared to the current distribution of palliatives, which often fail to reach the intended recipients.

Accompanied by the Coordinator of JDPC, Rev Jerome Ajakaye, former Registrar of the University of Ibadan, Mrs Moji Ladipo, and other church clerics, Archbishop Abegunrin expressed concern about the economic crisis exacerbated by the linking of Bank Verification Number (BVN) and National Identification Number (NIN). He emphasized the need for government policies to alleviate distress and anxiety among citizens, especially after the challenges faced with the cashless policy and Naira scarcity in 2023.

Regarding the escalating incidents of kidnapping and banditry, Archbishop Abegunrin criticized the government's response, alleging that they have failed to address the root causes or apprehend those responsible. He highlighted the risk of communities resorting to self-policing and cautioned against the potential for vigilantism in the absence of adequate security measures.

The church also reiterated its call for the return of schools to their original owners, particularly those owned by religious organizations. Citing the academic excellence and holistic education provided by many Catholic schools nationwide, Archbishop Abegunrin argued that returning schools to the churches would benefit the state education system.

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