The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has explained that the recently announced prayer sessions are internal activities meant to support staff morale. According to the ministry, the sessions are not being held to address food insecurity across the country.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s Assistant Information Officer, Ezeaja Ikemefuna, the government clarified that the prayer events were organised after growing concerns among workers. He said the call for prayers followed a series of unexpected deaths among senior staff members.
A circular dated June 11, 2025, had gone viral on social media. It was signed by the Director of Human Resource Management, Mrs. Adedayo Modupe O.
The circular directed all directors, deputy directors, assistant directors, value chain desk officers, and other staff to take part in three scheduled prayer sessions. These events are to be held at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on June 16, 23, and 30.
Internal Response to Staff Losses and Emotional Distress
While the original circular had mentioned supporting the government’s goal of achieving food security, the ministry now claim this was not the main purpose of the prayer sessions.
In its latest statement, the ministry said the events were a response to fears among workers. “The prayer was to address the apprehensiveness of staff over the recent untimely and successive death of management staff of the ministry,” the statement said.
The ministry added that workers also chose to use the opportunity to pray for Nigeria. That decision led to the theme of the event: “Divine Intervention for Protection and National Development.”
The statement noted that these sessions are similar to other wellness activities the ministry runs for its staff. These include monthly aerobic exercises and the use of a ministry gym. The idea is to support both physical and emotional wellbeing.
The ministry stressed that the prayer meetings do not signal any change in official policy. “This is not an official policy by the ministry to address agriculture and food security issues in the country. Rather, it is in response to the yearnings of staff who are apprehensive following the death of some of their colleagues in recent times,” it said.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is responsible for the development of Nigeria’s food systems. It said it remains fully committed to this duty through its programmes, partnerships, and ongoing reform plans.
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