“Stem tide of fear and criminal activities”: Catholic Archbishop of Lagos to Nigerian Government in Christmas Message

While cautioning the people of God against despair, Archbishop Adewale stressed that true hope ultimately comes from God, “the one in whom hope does not disappoint” and insists that leadership carries a serious responsibility to translate hope into concrete action.

“As we hope in God,” he said, “we must also insist that everyone, especially those in government at all levels and all politicians, should work intentionally, in order to generate hope in our people; not simply by empty platitudes, but in courageous and meaningful action to stem the tide of fear and criminal activities in the land.”

Credit: Fr. Anthony Godonu/Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos/Nigeria

In the one-page message dated December 23, which Fr. Godonu signed, Archbishop Adewale lamented that government efforts so far have fallen short of providing citizens with the most basic assurance of safety and dignity.

“While we are not oblivious of the efforts being made by the government,” he said, “we must also admit that the present reality of insecurity and pervasive fear have made it almost impossible for the average Nigerian to thrive or even dream with confidence.”

The Local Ordinary of Lagos since August 2012 emphasized the urgent need for national leadership to decisively confront kidnappings, killings, and other forms of criminality that have left many communities feeling targeted and under siege.

According to him, the people of God in Nigeria require tangible protection rather than promises. “Our citizens do not need mere promises but decisive action that secures our farms, our roads, our schools, and our places of worship,” Archbishop Adewale appealed.

“The primary duty of the state is to protect the life and properties of her citizens,” he said.

Despite the grim security situation, the Catholic Church leader who started his Episcopal Ministry in January 1998 as Bishop of Nigeria’s Abeokuta Catholic Diocese urged Nigerians not to succumb to despair or despondency, reminding them of the deeper meaning of Christmas.

He described the birth of Jesus Christ as “God’s definitive entry into a world of struggle and a potent intervention in human history.”

“So, our hope is not a distant reality,” he said, “but a call to embody his presence here and now as we show love, empathy and kindness towards one another, especially those who are most in need among us.”

Credit: Fr. Anthony Godonu/Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos/Nigeria

Archbishop Adewale further reflected on the true essence of the Christmas Season, saying that it is found in selflessness, justice, humility, and love. “We must all remember that the true essence of this season lies in a selflessness that fights for justice, a humility that serves the broken among us, and a love that dismantles walls of division,” he said.

The Catholic Archbishop went on to share a vision of national renewal rooted in moral responsibility, obedience to God, and respect for the rule of law. “The national transformation that we long for will surely come,” he said, “if we all choose to obey the fundamental commandments of God; to love Him and our neighbour but also to uphold the rule of law.”

He also called for peaceful coexistence across Nigeria’s religious, ethnic, and political divides, and appealed, “We must learn to live at peace with one another, irrespective of religion, tribe, or political affiliation.”

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Further appealing to the people of Nigeria to make Christmas a moment of change, Archbishop Adewale said, “Let this Christmas be a turning point. Let us put aside hatred, embrace our shared humanity, and work tirelessly to build a Nigeria where every person can live with dignity, free from fear and oppression. Let us build bridges, not walls.”

“The light of Christ, shining in our hearts and actions, is the sure foundation for the brighter future we all seek,” he affirmed.