“A new Nigeria is possible”: Catholic Archbishop in Nigeria Calls for Fervent Prayers to End Oppression

“A new Nigeria is possible if we, as God’s people, take responsibility for building it with integrity and faith,” the Nigerian Catholic Archbishop said in his homily at the opening Mass of the CBCN Plenary organized under the theme, “Jubilee of Hope: A Light for a New Nigeria”.

He the theme is timely because “at a time when our nation faces many trials—economic hardship, insecurity, corruption, and social divisions—we are reminded that Lent is a journey of hope, leading us to the light of Christ’s resurrection.”

“Let us remember that before the glory of Easter, there is the desert of purification, and before the Resurrection, there is the Cross,” he said.

Archbishop Kaigama also appealed to Nigerians to be true to their worship of God.

“Enough of external religiosity, empty religious symbols, erection of monumental places of worship, competition for religious superiority or supremacy, and doing everything to outdo one another by parading religion instead of living out our religious values,” he said.

He said that all Nigerians can keep hope alive if they chose to be responsible citizens by upholding integrity in their daily dealings, refusing to participate in bribery and corruption, and supporting policies that promote social justice.

Nigerians, he said, can also mentor the younger generation, instilling in them values of honesty, hard work, and patriotism. “Above all, in our communities, let us engage in acts of kindness, uplift the vulnerable, and create environments where peace and unity thrive,” the Local Ordinary of Abuja said. 

“Our collective actions, inspired by faith, can lead to a truly new Nigeria,” he further said. 

The Nigerian Catholic Archbishop, who started his Episcopal Ministry in April 1995 as Bishop of Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Jalingo reflected on the readings of the first Sunday of Lent, all of which he said re-echo hope, providing guidance on the Lenten observances. 

Reflecting on the first reading from Deuteronomy, he said, “We hear how the Israelites, once enslaved in Egypt, were delivered by the mighty hand of God and brought into a land flowing with milk and honey. This passage reminds us that, no matter how difficult our present circumstances may be, God’s saving power can lead us to a future filled with hope and abundance.”

“However, Nigeria, like ancient Israel, must turn to the Lord, trusting in His providence and seeking renewal through repentance, faith, justice, and love,” he said, in reference to the reading from the Deuteronomy.

About the second reading from Romans where St. Paul announces the comforting news that salvation is always near to all who call upon the Lord in faith, Archbishop Kaigama said, “This is a powerful assurance that hope does not disappoint, and so, hope is not lost for our country. If we turn back to God with sincerity, He will transform us individually and our nation as a whole.” 

Archbishop Kaigama also reflected on how Jesus was tempted in the Gospel of Luke, and urged Nigerians to “emphatically” resist the devil who he said “continually tempts ethnic and religious groups to be selfish and myopic.”

He cautioned the people of God in Nigeria to always be on the lookout for the devil who he said, is tempting husbands and wives to be morally deviant and unfaithful, youths to be recalcitrant and violent, and kidnappers to dehumanize fellow human beings for money.

“We must emphatically resist the devil who continually tempts … militant herdsmen to destroy food crops; religious fundamentalists to kill for reasons they don’t even understand; and bandits to unleash terror on innocent citizens,” he said.

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He appealed to political leaders in Nigeria, the military, traditional, judicial, and religious leaders, to take responsibility by denying themselves ill-gotten wealth.

“If we wallow in luxury and do very little to ease the pains of the suffering people, we have missed the point. If we pray and fast but continue to hurt others who are vulnerable, our fasting and prayers are meaningless,” Archbishop Kaigama said.

He acknowledged with appreciation the convergence of Lent and Ramadan, observing that Christians and Muslims in Africa’s most populous nation can commit to creating a truly happy country.

“Our Muslim brothers and sisters are observing the Ramadan fast, and we Christians started ours on Ash Wednesday,” he said, and continued, “May all Nigerian Muslims and Christians, live out their penitential seasons with the right spiritual and social attitudes resulting in a happier country, free from hunger, poverty, kidnapping, and corrupt dealings.”

In his prayers for the health of the ailing Pope Francis, Archbishop Kaigama said, “May God also hear our prayer for the sick and suffering, especially for our Holy Father, Pope Francis, and grant him a more speedy recovery.” 

Sabrine Amboka contributed to this story.