The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has backtracked on its earlier directive for staff to engage in prayer and fasting as a means to address the nation’s worsening hunger crisis.
Just days earlier, a leaked internal memo dated June 11, 2025, had instructed ministry personnel, including top officials such as directors, deputy directors, assistant directors, and value chain desk officers, to gather for weekly spiritual exercises at the ministry’s Abuja headquarters.
The circular, issued by Mrs Adedayo Modupe, Director of Human Resource Management, called on employees to observe fasting and take part in a spiritual programme titled “Divine Intervention for Protection and National Development,” scheduled for June 16, 23, and 30.
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“This is to invite all staff of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food to a solemn prayer session for God’s guidance and supporting the Government’s effort to achieve food security,” the circular read.
However, a subsequent internal communication signed by the same official revealed that the spiritual initiative had been put on hold ‘until further notice’, with no explanation offered for the decision.
The ministry’s reversal comes after intense criticism from the public and the media, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the suitability of relying on religious activities as a response to growing food insecurity and economic hardship.
