Religious leaders in Nigeria have been urged to use the opportunity of their position to sensitize the people on the need for good citizenship.
The Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, His Grace, Most Rev. Adewale Martins, stated this during a priestly ordination of six Rev. Fathers including Rev. Father Aniebue Boniface, Ekoja Michael, Izebuno Stephen, Mmadu Chibueze John, Odozi Joseph and Father Inegbeneboh Theophilus in St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, Lagos South-Western Nigeria.
Martins stated that the insecurity situation in Nigeria is no longer something that should be left for the government alone to handle because according to him, it now looked as if both the government and security agents do not know what to do anymore.
The Archbishop called on Religious leaders to in addition to praying for their leaders start sensitizing their members on the need to live right and be good citizens saying that it will go a long way in shaping the mindset of the people.
”If there is one issue that is the major problem of Nigeria, is the issue of insecurity and I think that it is something that the church and all religious leaders have a role to play. They should start sensitizing the people, especially their members on the need for good citizenship. They have been given a grace that not many people have. It is expected that religious leaders should be faithful to the work they have committed themselves to, being available for the people all the time, and taking time to prepare in order to minister to the people appropriately,” he added.
On his part, one of the newly ordained Priests, Rev. Father Aniebue Boniface expressed joy that the journey he started years ago with so much fear and uncertainty ended in praise, praying that God that started it should see them to the end.
”it’s a thing of joy because it has not been by our power but by God’s grace. We pray that God will continue to give us the grace to contribute our quota to the people, the church and the country at large,” he said.
One of the fathers of the newly ordained priests, Pius Odozi called on parents to always support their children in their chosen career and not to forcefully impose their desire on their kids saying that he had always supported his son, father Joseph Odozi since he made his intention of becoming a priest known to the family.
Nnenna.O
