By Abah Anthony John

Amid Nigeria’s ongoing struggles with insecurity, poverty, and violent conflict, a Catholic nun is championing empowerment initiatives to foster peace, uplift the underprivileged, and promote interfaith dialogue.

Speaking during a three-day workshop in the Durumi 2 community of Abuja, Rev. Sr. Martina Taiwo Akande emphasized the critical link between economic stability and societal harmony.

“You cannot claim to have peace when hunger makes you resent your neighbor. No food, no peace,” she stated in an interview with Good Shepherd Newspaper. “If a husband has no job and the wife struggles alone, can there be peace in that home? No.”

Sr. Martina urged young people to embrace productive ventures rather than crime, stressing the impact of unemployment on community safety.

“In any crime-ridden community, you often find jobless youths at the center. That is why we are here—to discuss ways to live in peace. Where there is peace, there is development.”

She underscored the direct correlation between financial hardship and domestic unrest, noting that economic challenges fuel instability at both family and societal levels.

“When parents have no means of livelihood, peace cannot exist in that home. By equipping people with skills for self-sufficiency, we strengthen families and build resilient communities,” she explained. “You can see the joy on their faces today—this is what peace looks like.”

The nun also linked Nigeria’s rising insecurity—especially in the northern region—to economic distress.

“Poverty and insecurity go hand in hand. A hungry man is an angry man,” she asserted.

She highlighted how desperation drives people into crime and lawlessness.

“When people are starving, they won’t wait for food to be stored for later; they will break into warehouses, leading to chaos and anarchy. This is a root cause of insecurity, not just in Nigeria but globally.”

Given the worsening economic situation, Sr. Martina appealed to the government to prioritize poverty alleviation.

“I urge the government to open its eyes to the cries of the people. Many Nigerians struggle to afford even two meals a day. The government must step in and improve their lives,” she said.

She painted a grim picture of the daily struggles faced by many citizens.

“You see people begging on the streets—some are disabled, others have small children in wheelchairs, pleading for help just to survive. Some even scavenge discarded food to eat. These are Nigerians; they belong to our society.”

While acknowledging government efforts to address poverty, she stressed the need for more decisive action.

“I hope today’s empowerment initiative inspires the government to do more. When people’s basic needs are met, the country will be at peace, and its citizens will be happier.”

She also urged individuals to contribute in their own capacity.

“Look around you—there is always someone in need. Even a small act of kindness can transform a life.”

Sr. Martina, a member of the Daughters of Mary, Mother of Mercy (DMMM) Congregation, explained that the workshop aimed to bridge religious and cultural divides while equipping participants with practical skills for economic independence.

Chief of Durumi 2 Community, Chief Danjuma Aiyedadubo (M) and Rev. Sr Martina Taiwo Akande DMMM and other beneficiaries during the two-day empowerment programme held in Durumi 2 community

“Today is a special day because we are not only training but also presenting starter kits to beneficiaries,” she said.

The event featured pastry-making training and an interfaith dialogue session designed to promote peaceful coexistence.

“We emphasize that regardless of religion, culture, or tribe, we are all one. There is unity in diversity. Where there is peace, there is no war or conflict,” she added.

The program sought to address economic challenges while fostering mutual understanding and social harmony.

“We all come from one God, and we will all return to Him. Learning about peace and its importance helps us coexist better.”

A key highlight of the initiative was the empowerment of community members through skill acquisition and resource distribution.

“We trained 50 participants today, and 20 received empowerment support. Thirteen were trained in pastry making, four received wheat barrels, and three were given grinding machines,” Sr. Martina disclosed.

The impact was evident in the emotional reactions of beneficiaries.

“Some of the elderly women were moved to tears, thanking God for lifting them from poverty to a more dignified existence where they can now provide for their families,” she shared.

Through her initiatives, Sr. Martina continues to champion empowerment as a path to peace, proving that economic stability is not just about survival; it is a foundation for lasting harmony in society.