Catholic Priest, Reverend Father Cyriacus Onwuharonye has emphasised the urgent need for holiness, integrity, and faith as core virtues for personal and national transformation
He maintained that “God is not tired of Nigeria” despite the challenges facing the nation.
Fr Onwuharaonye is the guest speaker during the 2025 Ebenezer Mid-Year Programme of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Nigeria (CCRN), Kubwa Deanery Service of Communion, at the Cathedral of Twelve Apostles, Papal Ground, Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The Cleric encouraged citizens to strengthen their faith and trust in God, particularly in the face of national and personal challenges.
He urged Nigerians to renew their commitment to God through integrity, prayer, patience, and hope. Drawing parallels from biblical figures such as Shadrach Meshach and Abednego; David, Job, and Zechariah, he illustrated how faithfulness and righteousness have historically attracted divine intervention.
“When Saul was confronted about his sin, he gave excuses. But David, when confronted, said ‘I’m sorry.’ Saul knew God in his head, David knew God in his heart,” he said. “God is looking for men and women of integrity. When He sees that in you, He can help you.”
Referencing 1 Samuel 15:22 and Luke 1:6–23, Fr Onwuharaonye speaks about biblical characters who were vindicated and elevated because of their righteousness, even in the face of adversity. “Zechariah had no child, yet he continued serving in God’s vineyard. And God saw this and sent an angel to take away his disgrace.”
He also gives a real-life example of a man in Abuja who, because of a just and upright lifestyle, was promoted in the paramilitary service after his clean record caught the attention of the Minister of Interior. “A man of faith never compromises,” the priest declared.
Highlighting the Jubilee Year of Hope declared by the Pope, the priest reinforces the message that no situation is beyond divine redemption. “I declare that no matter how difficult your situation might be, there is still hope. The God who made us Nigerians did not make a mistake. It takes just one day for God to change a nation’s story.”
He called on citizens and leaders alike to embrace the virtues of faith, hope, and love, as stated in 1 Corinthians 13:13, and to acknowledge that ultimate power rests with God, not in human institutions or political timelines.
“2027 is still far away. But God can act before then. When God speaks, all protocols are broken. When God intervenes, no human plan stands.”
The priest concluded by urging all Christians to become beacons of hope and harbingers of change through consistent prayer, perseverance, and moral uprightness.
“God is not tired of us,” he said. “And as long as we are not tired of Him, there is always a reason to hope.”country.
The Deanery Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Celestine Eze, in an interview with Voice of Nigeria’s Religious Affairs Correspondent, Ukamaka Okafor, highlighted that, in addition to limited governmental support, many Christians rely on supernatural intervention to meet their needs.
Father Eze, appealed to leaders at all levels to reduce the hardship experienced by ordinary Nigerians. He pointed out that while citizens look to the government for help, many are also turning to God as their ultimate source of hope and support.
“Leadership without divine guidance leads to failure,” Fr. Eze stated. “We must pray for our leaders so that their decisions reflect God’s will and alleviate the suffering of the masses.”
In his remarks, the Deanery Coordinator of the CCRN, Mr. Kingsley Onanike, explained the significance of the programme’s title “Ebenezer,” which means “my stone of help.” He described it as a spiritual altar where believers come to seek God’s help and renew their hope.
“This programme is not just another event,” Onanike said. “It’s a call for every Christian to anchor their lives on God, especially now when the nation is in need of healing and direction.”
Reinforcing the event’s theme, “My God, My Helper” Mr Onanike, explained that Ebenezer—meaning “my stone of help”—symbolizes a spiritual foundation where divine assistance is sought and receive help.
He noted that “leadership is an art, but has its origin with God. And the scripture is very clear, the heart of a king is in the hand of the Lord. So, leadership can will to do the right thing, but the issues have always been at the end of the day they do the wrong thing and the people suffer.
And other times it may not just be about the will, but the fact that the position of leadership is seriously under attack. So, a good man may sit on the throne and then begins to do the wrong thing. So, what I would say in this regard is the church must rise very strongly at a time like this to connect to the altar of prayers, where God will be able to influence the heart of leaders.
If God helps, which is the theme for Ebenezer this year, indeed if God helps, you can be sure that the leaders who are after their own interests or are carrying out the bidding of certain quarters and certain interests will now come under the influence of God and begin to legislate on things that will directly bless men. So, I will insist that besides leadership having goodwill for the people, the church needs to continuously pray for leadership”.
The former Leader of the Deanery, Mr Edward Asuelimen called on Nigerians to deepen their trust in God as the country grapples with pressing social, economic, and security challenges.
Mr Asuelimen emphasised the importance of seeking divine intervention during difficult times. Speaking on the event’s theme, “My God, My Helper,” he encouraged the faithful to hold on to God’s promises and actively live out their faith.
“This is a very precarious time in our national history,” Father Onwuharonye noted. “Only God can truly intervene in the affairs of men and provide lasting solutions. It’s not enough to merely attend gatherings; we must Internalise God’s teachings and obey His precepts.”
He likened spiritual growth to professional development, stressing the need for discipline, commitment, and truthfulness. “Just as you don’t become a doctor or accountant by wishing, you don’t grow spiritually without dedication. You must study the Word, pray, forgive, and live a godly life,” he said.
The 2025 EBENEZER Mid-Year programme, held at the Cathedral of the Twelve Apostles, Papal Ground in Abuja, drew participants from across the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja. It featured prayer sessions, worship, and teachings focused on rekindling faith and building resilience through trust in God.
Lateefah Ibrahim