Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) - "As the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS), we are committed to spreading the Gospel message, to promoting evangelization, justice, and peace, but we also have a strong desire to work for a greater political commitment to protecting the rights of children who are currently deprived of necessary and basic educational, health, food aid." This is what Fides was told by Father George Olusegun Ajana, just weeks ago appointed National Director of Pontifical Mission of Nigeria. Father George is in Rome to participate in the General Assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies. He is very familiar with the commitment and activity of the PMS, where he has been working for seven years as the assistant to former National Director, Msgr. Hypolite Adigwe.
"Nigeria is a big country, where there is a deep divide between rich and poor," says Father George. "The poverty rate is very high. The people often have nothing to eat and are often forced to commit crimes or resort to prostitution to have a minimum of subsistence. The country is out of work and those who manage to study are eventually attracted to study a political career that guarantees wealth and welfare at the expense of others."
The National Director of the PMS also emphasized how complex problems linked to social and political instability have led the nation to violent clashes, but "the country is now the next elections in 2011 and fortunately, the situation is calmer" says Father George. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 20/05/2010)
