American-based Spiritan Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Kenny Udumka, has highlighted chronic dishonesty and lack of vision in political leadership as the primary reasons for Nigeria’s persistent underdevelopment.
Udumka explained that the leaders’ lack of empathy has exacerbated the nation’s struggles, leaving ordinary citizens to endure severe poverty amidst plenty.
The cleric, currently a Spiritan missionary priest in the United States, celebrated his silver jubilee anniversary of priestly ordination at St. Theresa Parish, Nguru Umuoda, in Aboh Mbaise Council Area of Imo State.
In an interview following the Mass, he emphasized the detrimental impact of dishonest and visionless leadership on Nigeria’s progress.
“The major problem which has continued to hold the country down is that leaders are not honest and visionary,” Fr. Udumka remarked.
“If they were to be a bit honest, we wouldn’t be where we are today because God has blessed this nation abundantly in every ramification. The rampant corruption in the country is also a result of lack of honesty amongst the leaders who don’t care about the welfare of the people they are supposed to look after. They have failed to provide even the basic necessities of life for the poor masses,” he added
Reflecting on his mission as a priest, Fr. Udumka spoke about his commitment to sacrifice and care for people.
He founded the American Initiative for Health in Africa in 2016, a non-profit organization with offices across African countries, including one in Umuohiagu community in Ngor Okpala along the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport road.
This clinic, the first fully integrated medical facility in Nigeria, offers free medical care to impoverished Nigerians.
“As a priest, our life is that of sacrifice and caring for the people,” he added. “Even when based in the US, I had to establish a non-profit organization called American Initiative for Health in Africa in 2016, with offices across African countries and one in Umuohiagu community in Ngor Okpala, which is along the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport road. This is the first fully integrated medical clinic in Nigeria, which offers free medical care for impoverished Nigerians. So, I thank God for giving me his grace to mark the 25th anniversary of my priestly ordination. I had to travel down from the US to celebrate with my people and my family.”
Fr. Udumka urged Nigerian leaders to prioritize the welfare of the citizens to alleviate the current sense of hopelessness, particularly among jobless youths who have graduated from universities yet remain unemployed.
