The Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, His Grace, Most Reverend Adewale Martins, has called on leaders at all levels to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity across Nigeria.
Archbishop Martins made the appeal during a thanksgiving Mass held in Lagos to celebrate Cardinal Okogie’s 90th birthday, his 60th anniversary of priestly ordination, and 55 years as a bishop.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos had consolidated the three milestones into a single grand celebration in honour of the revered church leader.
Speaking during the Mass, Archbishop Martins lamented the persistent insecurity in the country saying;
“One gift that can be given to Cardinal Okogie is for those entrusted with leadership at all levels to redouble their efforts in addressing insecurity, so that Nigerians can live in peace, sleep with both eyes closed, and move freely without fear.”
The Archbishop described insecurity as an issue that breaks the heart of every Nigerian.
“Every day we wake up to reports of Boko Haram attacks, banditry and other criminal activities across the country. As bishops, we have consistently highlighted the steps that need to be taken to address the challenges facing our nation,” he stated.
Martins disclosed that members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) have repeatedly raised concerns about insecurity during engagements with the Government.
According to him, although the Nigerian government has reported progress in its fight against criminality, many communities continue to experience attacks, kidnappings and displacement.
The Archbishop urged the Government to further equip and support security agencies, particularly the police and military, to enable them effectively confront the threats facing the nation.
He also called on Nigerians to continue praying for the country’s leaders and security personnel, expressing confidence that prayer remains a powerful tool in overcoming national challenges.
“We must continue to pray for those entrusted with the responsibility of securing lives and property because prayer changes many things,” Archbishop Martins said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Bishop Stephen Adegbite and a political analyst, Pat Utomi urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the country so that Nigeria will united and move forward despite the challenges.
The thanksgiving celebration drew goodwill messages from several prominent personalities, including Pope Leo XIV, whose message was delivered by the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Michael Francis Crotty.
Other dignitaries who paid tribute to Cardinal Okogie include; the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria and Archbishop of Kaduna, Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso; the Archbishop of Benin, Augustine Obiora Akubeze; and the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Cardinal Okogie, one of Nigeria’s most respected Catholic clerics, is widely recognised for his decades of spiritual leadership, advocacy for justice, and contributions to the growth of the Catholic Church in Nigeria.
