Learn from King Solomon: Catholic Archbishop Cautions Nigerian Leaders against Materialism

Archbishop Kaigama who has been at the helm of the Archdiocese of Abuja since December 2019 lamented that some leaders have taken pride in their material possessions, power, and fame that they even deny the existence of God.

“Like Solomon, God has given our leaders blank cheques, but they choose to write only things about riches and power. Leadership is not merely a position for power but rather an opportunity for personal sacrifice and service,” he said.

From King Solomon, Archbishop Kaigama said, leaders learn a fundamental principle that leadership is not about personal gain but of service.

“Leaders should not focus on ‘what is there for me?’ They should prioritize the needs of the people rather than their personal gains and comfort,” the Nigerian Archbishop said.

Archbishop Kaigama challenged leaders to seek wisdom that leads them to be compassionate, and sensitive, and to show love and mercy to their subjects.

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“We are living in times when the temptation to exclude God from our daily life is increasing, especially among those who are in positions of authority or endowed with great knowledge,” the 65-year-old Archbishop who started his Episcopal Ministry in April 1995 as the Bishop of Nigeria’s Jalingo Diocese said.

In his homily, Archbishop Kaigama also reflected on the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons celebrated annually on July 30, and thanked the members of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for great milestones achieved over the years.

“We remain united in the fight against trafficking of persons. God bestowed every human being with dignity; to be loved and respected. Human beings do not deserve to be violated or treated as objects of commerce,” the Archbishop said.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.