The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr Alfred Adewale Martins, has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful despite the country’s deepening insecurity, warning that the nation is currently engulfed by criminal violence, fear and growing despair among citizens.
In his 2025 Christmas message, the Archbishop urged Nigerians to give thanks to God for the grace of witnessing another Christmas, even in the face of daunting personal and national challenges.
He noted that the joy of the season is being overshadowed by widespread insecurity, economic hardship and uncertainty about the future.
Archbishop Martins said Nigeria is “right in the middle of a tide of criminal violence,” which has created a pervasive atmosphere of fear and made it difficult for many citizens to live, work or dream with confidence.
While encouraging people not to lose hope, he stressed that true and lasting hope can only be found in God, “the one in whom hope does not disappoint.”
He, however, emphasised that spiritual hope must be complemented by responsible leadership and concrete action, especially by those in positions of authority.
According to him, government officials at all levels and political leaders must work deliberately to restore hope among the people, not through empty platitudes, but through courageous and meaningful actions that address insecurity.
“As we hope in God, we must also insist that everyone, especially those in government at all levels and all politicians, should work intentionally to generate hope in our people,” the Archbishop said.
“Our citizens do not need mere promises but decisive action that secures our farms, our roads, our schools, and our places of worship,” the cleric stated.
The Christmas message, signed by the Director of Social Communications of the Archdiocese, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, lamented that the government has not done enough to provide what the Archbishop described as the most fundamental assurance owed to citizens — the hope of a secure and dignified future.
While acknowledging that efforts are being made by authorities, Archbishop Martins said the reality of widespread insecurity and fear has rendered it almost impossible for the average Nigerian to thrive.
He called on national leaders to urgently bring an end to kidnappings and killings, particularly in communities that feel targeted and besieged by criminal elements.
“The primary duty of the state is to protect the life and property of its citizens,” he said, adding that failure to address insecurity undermines trust in governance and weakens national cohesion.
Beyond his critique of leadership, the Archbishop also urged Nigerians not to surrender to despair or despondency.
He reminded the faithful that Christmas represents God’s decisive intervention in human history and a call to embody Christ’s presence through love, empathy and kindness, especially toward the vulnerable.
He stressed that the true meaning of Christmas lies in selflessness that promotes justice, humility that serves the broken, and love that dismantles divisions across society.
Archbishop Martins concluded his message with a vision of national renewal, insisting that Nigeria’s long-desired transformation is achievable if citizens choose to obey God’s commandments, uphold the rule of law and live peacefully with one another regardless of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.
“Let this Christmas be a turning point. Let us build bridges, not walls, and work tirelessly for a Nigeria where every person can live with dignity, free from fear and oppression,” he urged.
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