The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security says its circular calling on staff members for three days fasting and prayers is not part of an official policy to address food security issues in the country.
The circular dated June 11, 2025, issued by Adedayo Modupe, director of the human resources management, had called on staff of the ministry to gather for collective prayers for “God’s guidance and success in supporting the government’s efforts to achieve food security”.
However, according to a rebuttal statement signed by Ezeaja Ikemefuna, the assistant information officer, the prayer session was an initiative of the Human Resource Department aimed at addressing the well-being of staff.
The ministry explained that the prayer session was organised in response to the recent untimely deaths of management staff, which had caused apprehension among staff.
Read also: Agric ministry turns to God for food security, declares 3-day fasting
The theme of the prayer session was “Divine Intervention for Protection and National Development”. The ministry emphasized that this initiative is not an official policy, but rather a staff welfare program similar to existing initiatives such as monthly aerobic exercises and medical check-ups.
Despite the clarification, the ministry highlighted its achievements in ensuring food and nutrition security for the country.
Some of these achievements include the distribution of over 1,000 tractors to support farmers, the signing of the commercialisation phase under the supervision of President Tinubu, and the Strategic Grain Reserve and Market Stabilisation initiative.
The ministry also launched the National Electronic Extension platform (NEEP) and initiated a revitalised cooperative sector.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security reaffirmed its commitment to achieving food security in the nation. The ministry emphasised that the prayer session was not intended to downplay its remarkable efforts and achievements in this area, but rather to address the concerns of staff over sudden deaths in the Ministry.
