By Amos Aar
THE RECTOR, Divine Mercy Minor Seminary (DMMS), Kanshio, Makurdi, Benue State, Rev. Fr. Marcellinus Oparaji, has voiced concerns over the rising cost of essential goods, which he says is severely impacting the school’s ability to provide for students.
Fr. Oparaji highlighted insecurity and the abrupt removal of petrol subsidy by the Tniubu government as key drivers of Nigeria’s economic challenges and called for urgent intervention.
He expressed these concerns on Monday while receiving an award for excellence from members of the Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MPAN) from the Masev, Ihyarev Development Association (MINDA) axis with membership drawn from Makurdi, Guma, Gwer East, and Gwer West LGAs.
He noted that the current economic hardship, exacerbated by insecurity and the subsidy removal, is affecting Nigerians across all walks of life and emphasised the need for the government to address these issues to prevent further societal collapse.
“The challenges we are facing here are being faced by every Nigerian and there’s no where you can go and buy bread cheaper or petrol. We are buying food stuff from the same market.
“Food prices and fuel costs are rising with no relief in sight. Feeding young people has become a big load and if we begin to charge them the school fees that we would be able to afford the food, we are going to overstretch the parents and they are going to break because they don’t have only one child. Some of them have three, four, five children. Some may even have to withdraw their children from school,” he noted.
Fr. Oparaji urged the government to address the root causes of insecurity, which he said would allow rural communities to resume farming and reduce pressure on food supplies. “If people in villages could farm safely, they would not only produce food for themselves but also have surplus to sell, helping to stabilise prices and access essential goods,” he added.
He also criticised the removal of fuel subsidies without adequate support measures. “Subsidy removal can be beneficial, but it should be phased and planned. Right now, Nigerians are suffering more than they were under the previous subsidy system. Refineries should be functional before any subsidy removal; otherwise, the hardships we’re experiencing now could persist.”
Edward Usambe, Editor of Nigeria Watch magazine, presented the award, recognising Fr. Oparaji’s commitment to high educational and moral standards.
“This award is not only for the rector but for the entire school community. His achievements are a reflection of the dedication of the staff who support his vision,” Usambe said. He emphasised that the association’s mandate is to report on societal issues and honor those making positive impacts.
Usambe continued: “We, as media practitioners, wanted to acknowledge Fr. Oparaji’s contributions to Divine Mercy Seminary. Since he assumed his role, the quality of education has been outstanding, and the moral upbringing of students exemplary. The dedication of the staff and administration has also been commendable, making this recognition well-deserved.”
In response, Fr. Oparaji dedicated the award to the entire school, noting that it reflected the collective efforts of both staff and students.
“This recognition is not political but rather a testament to our commitment here at Divine Mercy Seminary. Our school is young, and we face typical challenges of a new institution. We strive to mold young minds with a holistic approach, especially those considering a path to priesthood, though we also prepare them to contribute positively to society,” he said.
He acknowledged the unique generational challenges posed by modern technology. “The advent of smartphones has introduced new challenges in forming students’ character. Although we do our best within the school, we cannot fully control the influences they encounter outside. Nonetheless, with the commitment of our staff and God’s guidance, we remain focused on providing a meaningful education and moral foundation for these young people.”
Fr. Oparaji emphasised that the future depends on how well today’s youth are prepared, underscoring his resolve to continue giving his best to the next generation.
In her vote of thanks, the Dean of the school, Ikyaan Sewuese Gloria Vambe, expressed deep gratitude to MPAN for recognising DMMS, Kanshio among many peer institutions. She encouraged the forum to continue fulfilling its vital role as a societal watchdog.
“We pray that your good work continues to strengthen you, so you can achieve even more and help make our society the best it can be,” the Dean stated.
