Lagos Archbishop Issues Urgent Call for National Renewal Amid Security Crisis
By Patience Ikpeme
As Nigerians join the rest of the world to mark the birth of Jesus Christ, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, has called on the citizenry to maintain a spirit of gratitude despite the multifaceted trials currently facing the nation.
In a Christmas message marked by both spiritual reflection and civic urgency, the Prelate noted that while many individuals and the country at large face significant hurdles, the joy of another Christmas remains a divine gift.
The Archbishop pointed out that the nation currently finds itself caught in a tide of criminal violence and a pervasive sense of fear, which has led many to a state of despair.
To counter this, he urged Nigerians to anchor their lives in the type of hope that only God can provide, describing it as a certainty that does not disappoint.
However, he maintained that spiritual hope must be met with terrestrial responsibility from those at the helm of affairs.
In a statement released by the Director of Social Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, the Archbishop 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.”
Assessing the current state of the country, Archbishop Martins expressed concern that the government has fallen short of providing the most basic assurance required by any population: the promise of a secure and dignified future.
He noted that the prevailing atmosphere of insecurity has made it increasingly difficult for the average citizen to pursue their ambitions or live with any degree of certainty.
“While we are not oblivious of the efforts being made by the government, 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 Archbishop said.
Bishop Martins continued by stating that, “We must continue to challenge the nation’s leadership to urgently bring an end to the kidnappings and killings and so give assurance to communities of people who feel that they are being targeted and under siege by criminal elements in the country. Our citizens do not need mere promises but decisive action that secures our farms, our roads, our schools, and our places of worship. After all said and done, the primary duty of the state is to protect the life and properties of her citizens.”
Turning his attention to the spiritual significance of the season, the Prelate encouraged Nigerians to resist the temptation to give in to despondency. He described the arrival of Christ as a direct intervention into human struggle, calling on the faithful to mirror this divine presence through acts of kindness and empathy toward the vulnerable.
According to the Archbishop, “The coming of Christ at Christmas is God’s definitive entry into a world of struggle and a potent intervention in human history. So, our hope is not a distant reality 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. 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.”
Concluding his message with a vision for the country’s future, Archbishop Martins expressed a firm belief that national transformation is possible if there is a collective commitment to divine commandments and the rule of law. He pleaded for a society where tribal, religious, and political differences no longer serve as barriers to peaceful coexistence.
“The national transformation that we long for will surely come if we all choose to obey the fundamental commandments of God; to love Him and our neighbor but also to uphold the rule of law. We must learn to live at peace with one another, irrespective of religion, tribe, or political affiliation. 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 said.
