By Ade Iyamoye
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), has called on Christians and Nigerians at large to reject every form of oppression, corruption, and social injustice, stressing that a new Nigeria is possible if citizens commit to righteousness, justice, and love.
Delivering the homily at the opening Mass of the CBCN First Plenary in Abuja, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, His Grace, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, emphasized the urgency of moral renewal in the face of economic hardship, insecurity, and social divisions.
He urged Nigerians to embrace repentance and justice as pathways to national transformation.
Reflecting on the theme of the plenary, “Jubilee of Hope: A Light for a New Nigeria,” Archbishop Kaigama likened the country’s struggles to the Israelites’ journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land.
He assured that just as God delivered His people in biblical times, Nigeria too can experience renewal if its citizens turn to God with sincerity.
“Nigeria must turn to the Lord truly—trusting in His providence, seeking renewal through faith, justice, and love.
“If we choose righteousness over corruption, love over hatred, and peace over division, God will spare and bless our nation just as He spared Nineveh,” the Archbishop said.
He warned against the growing temptation of materialism, arrogance, and the misuse of power, which he described as modern-day evils destroying the moral fabric of the nation.
“The devil tempts us to pursue illegal wealth, abuse power, and abandon faith for worldly comfort.
“We must resist these temptations and commit to ethical leadership and service,” he added.
Archbishop Kaigama also lamented the persistent ethnic and religious divisions in the country, cautioning against selfishness and greed that fuel oppression.
He called on Christians to lead by example, advocating for the poor, rejecting injustice, and fostering peace.
“Enough of external religiosity! It is time for true worship of God—not just in erecting monumental places of worship or competing for religious superiority, but in living out the values of love, honesty, and selflessness,” he charged.
Addressing the dire economic conditions that have left many Nigerians struggling for survival, Archbishop Kaigama referenced the tragic incident at Holy Trinity, Maitama, where people were crushed to death in a rush for food during Christmas.
“This was a terrible embarrassment in a country so richly blessed with resources. We must fast from corruption and hatred and instead feast on kindness and generosity,” he urged.
The Archbishop reminded the faithful that the Jubilee of Hope is a call to action, requiring every Nigerian to reject oppression and commit to national renewal.
“A new Nigeria is possible, but it begins with each of us. Let us take responsibility, uphold integrity, and build a nation where justice, peace, and love prevail,” he concluded.
The CBCN plenary, which runs from March 8 to 14, 2025, brings together bishops, clergy, and lay faithful from across Nigeria to deliberate on the nation’s challenges and the Church’s role in fostering hope and renewal.
