He explained in reference to the poor, “They are victims of social, economic, political exploitation and manipulation, whereas the corrupt leaders seek their personal interests instead of what brings progress, national growth and sustainable development.”
Archbishop Kaigama further called upon leader in Africa’s most populous nation to be on the forefront in showing the youth that making it in life entails working hard and embracing honesty.
“Leaders must show their followers, especially the youths, the example that wishing and dreaming big alone are not enough to make them who they want to become; they can only achieve this through hard work and honesty,” he said.
The Local Ordinary of Abuja Archdiocese likened the suffering of Nigerians to that of the “suffering Servant of Yahweh” in the Bible and said that the people of God in the West African country are asking God the same questions Jesus asked while on the cross.
“Like the suffering Servant of Yahweh in today’s readings, the innocent women, children and all the vulnerable people, the victims of kidnapping, banditry, and Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria are crying and asking, ‘My God, My God, why have you forsaken us?’ It is the same cry in the hearts of many Nigerian youths and students, forced to stay home due to no fault of theirs,” he said.
Archbishop Kaigama encouraged the people of God in Nigeria to forge on despite their suffering, saying that they will one day come out victorious through God’s grace.
He further urged Nigerians to establish and maintain a relationship with the person of Jesus Christ as a way forward towards experiencing true happiness and meaning to life.
Making reference to the gospel of John about God loving the world to the extent of giving His only son, Archbishop Kaigama called upon Christians to emulate the same love and render services to the poor.
“The undefiled and unconditional love Jesus showed us is the same love we are to show to the poor, the lowly, the marginalized and the less privileged in our society,” he said.
He added that the suffering and death of Jesus is enough pointer to Christians that suffering is part of life. He said that when Christians suffer, they should not conclude that God has forsaken them.
