In a bid to alleviate economic hardship and promote a just economic system, the Populorum Progressio Catholic Institute is set to host a food fair on April 12, 2025, in Ondo State.
The initiative, which aims to provide food at significantly reduced prices, comes at a crucial time when many Nigerians are grappling with rising costs and economic uncertainty.
The institute, established in 2019 under the Catholic Diocese of Ondo and led by Bishop Jude Arogundade, Ph.D., draws its philosophy from Catholic social teachings.
Founded by Fr. Prof. Fidelis Olokunboro, Populorum Progressio is named after the 1967 Catholic encyclical that advocates for human development and the common good.
Rather than aligning with conventional capitalist or socialist models, the institute embraces an economic vision centered on human dignity and collective prosperity.
Over the years, Populorum Progressio has positioned itself as a key player in economic discourse within Ondo State.
Through initiatives such as economic education, policy dialogues, town hall meetings with policymakers, and food subsidy programs, the institute has sought to address economic disparities and advocate for policies that prioritize social welfare.
Observers have taken a keen interest in the institute’s work, with some questioning whether its principles can extend beyond Catholic communities to benefit the wider population.
“I have been following the steady impact of this institute in Ondo State,” one analyst noted.
“It will be interesting to see whether its ideas on Catholic economics can be applied broadly to reduce food prices for all.”
Beyond its immediate economic interventions, Populorum Progressio served as a platform for engaging policymakers, scholars, and the public in discussions on poverty, sustainable development, and economic justice.
While deeply rooted in Catholic intellectual traditions, the institute also integrates insights from other schools of thought that align with its vision of human-centered economic policies.
At the heart of its mission is the belief that Nigeria’s economic challenges stem more from mismanagement than from a lack of resources.
By fostering a shift in public thinking and advocating for responsible governance, the institute hopes to drive systemic change that benefits all segments of society, especially the most vulnerable.
Also, the institute incorporates environmental sustainability into its economic philosophy, promoting what it calls “integral ecology.”
The approach ensures that economic growth is balanced with ecological responsibility, reinforcing the idea that economic justice and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.
Just like the founder deserves commendation for the initiative at this critical time of economic hardship in Nigeria, the Coordinator, Dr. Esther Okpakpor, has been applauded for providing administrative and managerial skills that have placed the institute in the right position to achieve the set goals.
As the April 12 food fair approaches, it stands as a testament to Populorum Progressio’s commitment to building an economy that serves not just the privileged but all members of society.
By tackling food insecurity and promoting equitable economic structures, the institute is not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the foundation for a more just and inclusive future.