The Catholic Church in Nigeria has urged its members and citizens to take active steps toward socio-economic and political transformation, leveraging the principles of Catholic Social Teaching to address the nation’s challenges.
Speaking at the 2024 Annual General Meeting and Seminar of the Church and Society Department in Abuja, the Director of Church and Society at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria and Executive Secretary of Caritas Nigeria, Very Rev. Fr. Uche Obodoechina, emphasized the immense influence of Catholics in driving change.
“With over 40 million Catholics, 6,000 priests, and 87 bishops in Nigeria, we hold the power to reshape governance and policies,” Fr Obodoechina stated.
He challenged Catholic leaders to engage in advocacy and soft diplomacy to infuse political and public sectors with the values of Catholic Social Teaching, ensuring policies reflect the common good.
Similarly, the incoming Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, called on Nigerians to undo the harm caused by collective greed and resource mismanagement.
Drawing from Luke 4:16-21, he criticized the hoarding of resources, stating, “If there is hunger, it is because you and I are keeping more than we need.”
Fr. Banjo highlighted the “Opaleki Model,” which encourages individuals to grow their food, share their harvest, and embrace self-reliance to combat hunger and foster community welfare.
Both clerics stressed the need for practical actions to complement advocacy. Fr. Obodoechina urged participants to evangelize political and thought leaders, while Fr. Banjo called for introspection, urging Nigerians to align their actions with the universal destination of goods—a doctrine affirming God created resources for the benefit of all.
The seminar, themed Promoting Catholic Social Teaching as a Vehicle for Socio-Economic and Political Reorientation in Nigeria, served as a rallying point for the Church’s vision of a “civilization of love” through collaboration, innovation, and community action.
