The Southern Conference of United Methodist Church and the Emir of Muri have declared a 3-day period of prayer and fasting, from August 11th to 13th, 2024, to seek divine intervention for rainfall in Taraba State. The state is experiencing a severe drought that has severely affected agricultural activities, leading to crop failures and economic hardship.
According to Rev. Dr. Philip Micah Dopah, Leader of the Southern Conference of United Methodist Church, “We are calling on our members to pray for God’s blessing on our land, for rain to end the drought, peace, and economic prosperity. We also pray for our leaders to make wise decisions that will alleviate the suffering of our people.”
Similarly, Alhaji Abbas Njidda Tafida, Emir of Muri, directed his subjects to engage in prayers and fasting, saying, “We must seek Allah’s intervention to bring rainfall and end the suffering of our farmers. Our crops are withering, and our people are struggling to make ends meet.”
The prolonged drought has severely affected agricultural activities, with crops such as rice, maize, groundnut, and others withering in several parts of the state. Imam Nuru Dinga, Chief Imam of Jalingo Central Mosque, noted, “The situation is dire, and we must come together to pray for relief. Our farmers are the backbone of our economy, and their struggles will have far-reaching consequences if we don’t act now.”
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The drought has led to a surge in maize prices, with a 100kg bag selling for N55,000, up from the previous price. This has made it difficult for many families to access food, exacerbating the economic hardship caused by the drought.
The people of Taraba State are united in their quest for divine intervention to bring an end to the drought and restore agricultural prosperity. As Rev. Dopah emphasized, “We believe that prayer can move mountains, and we are calling on all Tarabans to join us in this effort.”
The 3-day prayer and fasting period will be observed across the state, with churches and mosques holding special services and prayers. The people of Taraba State are hopeful that their collective efforts will bring much-needed rain and relief to their drought-stricken land.