Religion
Kaigama Urges Nigerians to Pray, Rid Nation of Corruption
Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja on Sunday charged Nigerians to pray and rid the nation of corruption and other social vices.
Kaigama, who gave the charge during his homily, at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral in Abuja, stressed that genuine prayer must include praying for your enemies,
He said that Nigerians must have a large heart to be able to love and forgive one another without pre-conditions and to treat all with dignity even if they differ from you.
The Archbishop noted that the polarisation of Nigerians, either along religious or tribal lines, and the over-emphasis of our differences have had far reaching negative consequences that permeate and manifest in almost every facet of life.
”Like Mary Magdalene, Peter and John in the Gospel, we must disseminate good news and nothing else; not bad news, not news of violence and despair or the news of division and hate.
”Our leaders can bring Nigerians good news; our security agents, public servants, and others must be honest in their works and good news will follow. The ordinary citizens can, also individually and collectively, behave with the fear of God and their activities will become good news.
”This will only be possible when we accept to stand on the common grounds of our national aspirations, to see in one another: brothers and sisters, beyond unhealthy prejudices and artificial boundaries.
“We must pursue our causes in line with the nation’s mission statement on its coat of arms: ‘unity and faith, peace and progress.’
”It is urgent that we put our swords into their ploughshares and spears into their pruning hooks (cf. Is. 2:4) and embrace one another in love.”
Kaigama said that the country had had enough of the impunity, bloodshed and the crimes of kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism.
”We need today in this nation more patriotic men, youths and, especially, women, who should be allowed to go beyond feeble political participation to bring about a new Nigeria. And by the grace of God, together, we shall succeed,” he said.
”We need to continue prayers for our brothers and sisters who are still held in captivity by their abductors such as : Leah Sharibu, the remaining Chibok girls, the students of the College of Forestry in Kaduna State.
”Let us remember the very sick who are unable to celebrate Easter with us either on account of the COVID-19 pandemic or some other crippling sickness, or because of civil unrest, insecurity, violent attacks by unidentified persons, hardship occasioned by the global economic downturn.
“Let us pray that God will intervene in their situations.
” I wish all of us the blessings of the risen Lord and may His peace never depart from us and from our nation,” he said.
The Archbishop said that Easter Sunday is a total reversal of the gloom of Good Friday. Jesus’ death which seemed to be a defeat is shown as a triumph, a victory over sin and death.
He added that the celebration of Easter for us is our desire “to know Christ and the power of his resurrection, and share in his sufferings by becoming like him in his death to attain the resurrection from the dead” (Phil. 3:10-11).
”While Christmas is only a “mission begun”, Easter is a “mission accomplished”. At Easter, we recount that great mystery that brought the world salvation and completed the story of our redemption.
“Therefore, Easter is not simply one feast among others, but the “feast of feasts”, the “solemnities of solemnities”.
”An expatriate Muslim who brought me an Easter hamper with very warm greetings two days ago asked me what we celebrate at Easter.
”I explained that we celebrate Jesus’s redemptive suffering and death and the fact that He rose three days after He was buried, we and the whole world are illumined by the light of His resurrection.
”For us, that Jesus rose from the dead is not in question, even though the chief priests and the elders bribed the soldiers to tell lies that the disciples stole the body of Jesus at night when the soldiers were asleep (cf. Mt. 28:11-15).
”Peter in Acts 2 and in 1 Peter 1:17-21 reaffirms the historical certainty of the resurrection and its dramatic impact on the faith of the early Christian community,” Kaigama said.
He also explained that the resurrection is the reason for our faith.
He said that if Christ had not risen, our faith would have been a mere myth; our sacramental celebrations would have been empty rituals and our Christianity would have been an association of mere convenience.
”But we know as a matter of conviction, that Christ died, rose and will come again.”
In the first reading, Peter reminds his audience that he and the Apostles were witnesses to all that Jesus did both in Judea and in Jerusalem (cf. Acts 10:38-39).
”Peter teaches that it is only those who truly experience Jesus who can witness to Him effectively.
”Witnessing should be a deliberate and conscious effort to live out the Gospel values of Christ with due diligence and faith, by words and examples wherever we find ourselves: at work, school, home, shopping mall, family meetings or community gatherings.
”St. Paul tells us in the second reading to look for the things that are in heaven, where Christ is, sitting at God’s right hand (cf. Col. 3:1).
”As an Easter people, we must run the Christian race in sincerity and truth and gaze more on heavenly things for the world will one day pass away and heaven shall be our eternal home,
“If we must go and “make disciples of all nations,” (Mt. 28:19-20), Christ must penetrate that sacred space in the innermost part of our being in order to transform us, so that we can experience that burning sensation of faith and say, “did not our hearts burn when Christ was speaking to us?” (Lk. 24:32),” he said.
The Archbishop said that the risen Christ is concerned about our unity, harmony and peaceful co-existence among the multi ethnic and religious people of our country.
He said that we should always pursue national development devoid of rancour, by exploring civilised approaches in addressing real or perceived grievances.
He said, ”And as the former British Prime Minister, Mr. Tony Blair, said, our politicians should be ready to be leaders rather than politicians.
”The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria(CBCN) believes that prayer can move mountains, and so, they composed the “Prayer for Nigeria in Distress” and the “Prayer against Bribery and Corruption.” (NAN)
By Laide Akinboade Abuja
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) mourn the passing of Rev. Dr. William Uzochukwu Okoye, Founder and General Overseer of All Christians Fellowship Mission.
In a statement issued by CAN President,
Archbishop Daniel Okoh, Abuja.
The statement reads in part, “On behalf of the National Executive Committee of CAN and the entire Christian community in Nigeria, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his widow, Rev.
Mrs. Toyin Okoye, his children, the leadership and members of All Christians Fellowship Mission, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), and all who mourn this painful loss.“Rev. Dr. Okoye dedicated his life to the service of God and humanity. Through his ministry, he faithfully preached the Gospel, raised leaders, and worked tirelessly for the unity and growth of the Church in Nigeria.
” His service to the body of Christ extended well beyond his own ministry. He served as Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), FCT Chapter, Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), FCT Chapter, and later as CAN National Director on National Issues and Social Welfare. In these and other capacities, he made valuable contributions to strengthening the Christian witness in our nation and promoting constructive engagement on issues affecting the Church and society.
“Rev. Dr. Okoye also served the nation with distinction as a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on Youth Affairs, the National Political Reform Conference, the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, and as Chaplain to two Presidents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Head of the Aso Rock Villa Chapel. His commitment to nation-building reflected his conviction that faith should positively influence society.
“I remember Rev. Okoye as a humble servant of God who carried every responsibility entrusted to him with wisdom, grace, and unwavering dedication. He was deeply committed to the unity of the Church and was always willing to lend his voice and experience whenever called upon. His counsel, calm disposition, and passion for advancing God’s Kingdom will be greatly missed.
“As we mourn his passing, we also thank God for a life well spent in His service. We pray that the Lord will comfort his family, the All Christians Fellowship Mission, and all who are grieving at this difficult time. May God grant them the strength to bear this loss and uphold them with His unfailing grace.
“May the soul of Rev. Dr. William Uzochukwu Okoye rest in the eternal peace of our Lord Jesus Christ”
Religion
*Palm Sunday: Show Empathy, Ease Nigerians’ Burden, CAN urges Leaders………laments state of nation
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), at the weekend said in view of the current economic crunch in Nigeria, leaders must not be loud, but be restraints, have empathy and be focused on the common good of the people.
In a statement issued by Archbishop Daniel Okoh,President,CAN, in commemoration of Palm Sunday in Abuja.
The CAN President, lamented about the state of the nation, saying families are feeling the weight of time, cost of living is rising and normal daily lives is getting harder for families.
He said food cost is rising, transportation is high and for many Nigerians is how to stay afloat.
He said it is at this time leaders must make decisions that would ease the pain and burdens of Nigerians.
The statement reads, “As we observe Palm Sunday, we remember a powerful moment. Jesus entered Jerusalem with calm resolve, at a time of uncertainty and expectation. It was not a show of force, but a message of peace, purpose, and hope. In a tense atmosphere, he chose humility; riding on a colt, not in the trappings of power. That choice still speaks to us today.
“Across Nigeria, many are feeling the weight of the times. The cost of living is rising. For countless families, daily life is getting harder. Events far beyond our borders; especially tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, are unsettling global energy markets. The impact is already here. Fuel is more expensive. Transport costs are rising. Food prices are climbing. In moments like this, the calm and clarity of Palm Sunday matter even more.
“For many Nigerians, the concern is simple and immediate: how to cope, how to plan, how to stay afloat. When life feels this uncertain, the tone of national life matters. Words carry weight. Actions have consequences. Palm Sunday reminds us that in tense moments, people need reassurance. They need stability. They need the quiet confidence that those in positions of responsibility understand what they are going through.
“That is why the lesson of Palm Sunday matters for leadership. True leadership is not always loud. It is seen in restraint, in empathy, and in a steady focus on the common good. It is reflected in decisions that ease burdens, calm anxieties, and bring people together. This is a time for such wisdom”.
The CAN boss, therefore urged all Christians in Nigeria, to stand firm on faith, stand together and in peace.
“For the Church and all people of faith, Palm Sunday is also a call to responsibility. It reminds us of a rare moment when people from all walks of life came together with one purpose: to welcome the Messiah in hope, humility, and expectation. That same spirit is needed now. We must stand for peace. We must strengthen unity. We must support one another. In a season that can easily tilt towards tension, we must remain a steady source of light and hope.
“And to every Nigerian, especially the young and those feeling the strain most deeply, do not lose hope. The challenges are real, but they are not the end of the story.
“As we journey through this sacred season, may the spirit of Palm Sunday guide us towards quiet courage, shared purpose, and a renewed commitment to the good of all”, he urged.
Congratulates Muslims on Eid-el-Fitri, urges unity amid economic, security challenges
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), congratulate the Muslim brothers and sisters across the country as they celebrate Eid-el-Fitri 2026.
In a statement issued and signed by
Archbishop Daniel Okoh,President,
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in Abuja
He noted that, Eid marks the end of Ramadan, a period of fasting, prayer, reflection and giving.
He said today Christians in Nigeria celebrate with them, not only the breaking of the fast, but also the strengthening of faith, families and hope.
“At a time like this, our nation needs unity more than ever. From insecurity to economic hardship, the challenges before us are real, but so too is our shared strength. Nigeria works best when we stand together; not divided by faith or ethnicity, but united by a common purpose and a shared future.
“The spirit of Eid; kindness, sacrifice and care for others, offers us a way forward. It calls us to reject division, to choose dialogue over distrust, and to act in ways that heal rather than harm. This is how nations move forward, not just in words, but through everyday actions”, the CAN President, said.
He said, “We join our Muslim compatriots in prayer for Nigeria; for lasting peace, improved security, economic recovery, and leadership guided by wisdom and compassion. We pray that the right values nurtured during Ramadan will endure beyond this season, especially in caring for the poor, protecting the vulnerable, and building a more just society.
“Let this Eid be more than a celebration; let it be a reset for our national conscience”.
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