Food Insecurity: Agriculture Ministry Declares 3-Day Fasting

 The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has called for a period of fasting and prayer to aid its efforts in addressing food insecurity in the country.

In a memo that recently went viral on social media, Adedayo Modupe, the ministry’s Director of Human Resources Management, invited all staff to a solemn prayer program on June 16, 23, and 30, 2025.

The sessions, themed “Divine Intervention for Protection and National Development”, are scheduled to take place from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Conference Hall “B” at the FMAFS headquarters in Area 11, Abuja.

Established in 1966, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (formerly the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) is mandated to enable food security and promote sustainable agricultural practices in the country. According to its website, its responsibilities include empowering farmers, improving market access, and strengthening agricultural resiliency.

The United Nations World Food Programme defines food security as a condition where all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to enable them to lead healthy, active lives.

No further official comments have been made by the ministry as of press time.

Some Nigerians have raised concerns and criticism, questioning the role of prayer in addressing food insecurity, while others view it as a reflection of reliance on faith alongside policy measures.

One social media user, Nze Sam, wrote: “The funny thing is, a huge amount of money might have been budgeted for this. As they continue to waste money and everyones time. They are asking Nigerian to pray and fast. With f00ls supporting then.”

Another, using the handle @Xamwirab, said: “I am just ashamed to be called a Nigerian right now. These people keep making mockery of us. How long will this man and his fellow cornfused, clueless gang ruin this nation?”