Tinubu Govt Declares National Fast To Fight Hunger — Seeks Divine Intervention

The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, had called for divine intervention in response to Nigeria’s growing food insecurity crisis.

However, according to Naija News, the Ministry unexpectedly called off the spiritual initiative just days before it was scheduled to commence.

An internal circular dated June 11, 2025, and obtained by The Whistler, instructed ministry staff to observe a three-day fasting and prayer program on June 16, 23, and 30.

The notice, signed by Director of Human Resource Management, Mrs. Adedayo Modupe, invited staff to join a “solemn prayer session for God’s guidance and success” in aiding the government’s push for food security.

“This is to invite all staff of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to a solemn prayer session for God’s guidance and success in supporting the Government’s efforts to achieve food security,” the memo stated.

Themed “Divine Intervention for Protection and National Development,” the prayer sessions were scheduled for 12:00 p.m. at Conference Hall B, Ministry Headquarters, Area 11, Abuja, with staff asked to fast on all three Mondays.

The directive applied to all ministry personnel, from directors to desk officers across value chains.

But when The Whistler contacted Acting Director of Information, Ezeaja Ikemefuna, on Friday, he confirmed the program had been indefinitely suspended, without offering any explanation.

A follow-up circular read:

“I am directed to inform all staff that the prayer sessions scheduled to commence on Monday have been postponed till further notice. All staff should kindly take note.”

Rising Hunger and Worsening Food Crisis

The now-suspended prayer plan came against the backdrop of a dire food outlook in Nigeria. The World Food Programme (WFP) warns that food insecurity in the country may affect 33.1 million Nigerians by 2025.

Alarmingly, the number of people at emergency food insecurity levels (Phase 4) is projected to grow by 80%, rising from 1 million in 2024 to 1.8 million in 2025, according to WFP estimates.