David Ajang, Catholic Bishop of Lafia Diocese, has called for structured teachings on parenting as a way of reducing moral decadence in Nigeria.

Mr Ajang made the call on Sunday during the dedication of the new Saint Matthew Catholic Church in Kuchikau, Nasarawa, which was elevated from a mission to a parish.

He said Nigeria needs special programmes to teach people the responsibilities of parenting, stressing that the current level of moral decay in society is alarming.

“I think I have been an advocate that people should be taught parenting. Yes, I think there should be a special programme for that. When people who are ready to be parents are taught how to be parents, this will reduce immorality in our society.

“Because we just assume that once somebody can give birth to children, they can be a parent. I think it is very presumptuous, especially as we see today. It will help a bit when people are taught how to be parents. If you look at the reading of today, it talks about strife. Today we have renamed discipline as suffering.

“And I think that is where we got it wrong. Every child needs a basic level of discipline to keep him on track. But today if you discipline a child, it means you are wicked. So parents, I think, should be taught how to be parents,” he said.

The bishop also urged the Federal Government to address the root causes of insecurity, pointing out that unemployment is one of the key drivers of the crisis.

On the state of the church, Ajang lamented that modern-day Christianity had become “so obsessed with prosperity” rather than righteousness, which he said was the core message of Jesus Christ.

Paul Peter Onah (Via Christi), Parish Priest of St. Matthew, reflected on his 18-month service to the church, calling it a journey of sacrifices. Mr Onah also appealed for the restoration of electricity in the Kuchikau community, lamenting that residents had been in darkness since March.

(NAN)