The Executive Director of the Kukah Centre, Rev. Fr. Attah Barkindo, has called on Nigerians to manage their finances more judiciously in light of the current economic challenges facing the country. Speaking at a one-day Strategic Dialogue on Nutrition organized by National Faith Influencers in collaboration with the World Bank in Abuja, Barkindo highlighted the paradox of ongoing construction activities despite widespread complaints of economic hardship.
Barkindo, whose Kukah Centre is a policy research and leadership institute founded by Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, expressed concern over the issue of malnutrition affecting Nigerian children. He noted that 37% of children under five experience stunted growth due to poor nutrition and inadequate breastfeeding, a problem exacerbated by poverty and adverse economic conditions, according to the Federal Ministry of Health.
However, Barkindo attributed the malnutrition crisis to mismanagement of financial resources and a flawed value system rather than solely economic constraints. He stated, “People still use their money to eat the wrong things. You see them spend recklessly on beer and pepper soup and buy cigarettes to smoke.” He urged Nigerians to redirect their limited resources towards more productive uses, emphasizing that the current economic challenges should not excuse financial mismanagement.
Barkindo cited the alarming situation in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, where individuals have resorted to harmful lifestyle choices amidst dire conditions, as indicative of a deeper societal issue. “It is about redirecting their little resources. Otherwise, the situation can get worse,” he warned.
He also emphasized the role of religious leaders and faith influencers in advocating for better nutrition and breastfeeding practices. Barkindo shared his personal experience growing up in a large family in Northern Nigeria, where he witnessed the effects of malnutrition firsthand. “When I look back, I often question how we managed to survive,” he reflected, urging faith leaders to leverage their influence to spread the message of the importance of nutrition.
“The Kukah Centre is mobilizing gospel ministers and faith influencers to use their platforms to address nutrition and breastfeeding issues. These are not just biological; they are also deeply spiritual,” he said.
Earlier, Swanta Anna, Project Officer at the Kukah Centre, underscored the importance of the World Bank’s $232 million investment in the ‘Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria’ initiative, urging participants to take the project seriously in order to support the health and well-being of Nigerian children.
