The Emeritus Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, His Eminence Cardinal Anthony Okogie has decried the spate of insecurity and increasing cases of killings that is ravaging all parts of Nigeria.
Cardinal Okogie said the problems facing the country both politically and economically had worsened and needs restoration and God’s mercy for a revival.
He was speaking during his 85th birthday thanksgiving Mass and 50th episcopal ordination in Lagos, Western Nigeria.
”Prayers of Mercy and Restoration are appropriate for Nigeria in these trying times of all forms of depressing occurrences. It seems that Nigeria has become a killing field as insecurity and terror rain from all corners of the country,” he stated.
Cardinal Okogie called on the government at all levels to rise up and carry out their duties that they were elected for and help restore peace in the land.
He urged Nigerians to join hands and rescue their father land from drowning saying they should not fold their arms and watch their country destroyed.
”We call on the government at all levels to rise up to the situation and carry out their duties for which they are elected, to save this nation from drowning. Let them listen to the cries of the people and do the needful. We call on all Nigerians of all religions and tribes to join hands together to rescue their land. We need a better Nigeria where we shall live together in harmony despite our diverse ethnic, regional or religious affiliations. We need a Nigeria where no one feels more advantaged or disadvantaged because of where he or she hails from,” he stated.
In his homily, the Parish Priest of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church Lagos, Reverend Father Stephen Akinsowon wants all leaders to emulate the leadership style of the Celebrant, His Eminence Anthony Cardinal Okogie whom he described as a humble leader and a voice to the voiceless.
Fr Akinsowon said; ”Cardinal Okogie maintained the status of a fearless advocate of good governance and a prayerful father whose utmost concern had always been the wellbeing of the flock entrusted to him.
”People have felt the presence of God through the preaching, teaching and comforting words of his eminence. He has given hope to the hopeless and put smiles on sad faces…Cardinal Okogie is an ardent defender of sound education and the defenseless who was sensitive to human rights and social justice.
”He spoke against oppressive and corrupt governments when it was most dangerous to do so. As a former president of Christian Association of Nigeria and Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, he gave prominence to the gospel in national and international discourse, rendering the service of a Christian conscience to a nation whose vision was impaired by corruption and injustice.”
The Archbishop of the Metropolitan Sea of Lagos, His Grace, Most Rev. Adewale Martins in his congratulatory message said His eminence has built a strong foundation in his years of governance, calling on other leaders to toe his footsteps.
Highlights of the celebration were the good will messages from well wishers including the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu who was represented by the Special Adviser to Governor on Christian Religion Matters, Very Rev. Bukola Adeleke, special birthday renditions and side attractions.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
