Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama
The Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Bishop Ignatius Kaigama has called on Christians to exhibit a
greater sense of solidarity in pursuing the common good, and foster a sense of
greater empathy for those who are especially vulnerable: the elderly, the sick,
people with disabilities, and the poor who frequently have a lower quality of
health, to say nothing of the people who are on the margins and dying from the
COVID-19 Pandemic and other preventable medical conditions in the new year.
Bishop Kaigama made the call in his new year message to Christians.
He also advocated for better treatment for women in the year 2021.
“In speaking of inequality, Fratelli Tutti twice highlights that this inequality is true
of women worldwide: It is unacceptable that some have fewer rights by virtue of
being women. The way of the future, therefore, is to begin to give women every
respect and their rightful place in society”
His Lordship expressed optimism that 2021 will be a better year for everyone.
“As Christians, we see the New Year as a symbolic anticipation of that eternal day
when all things will be made new. Only if we keep Christ at the very centre of
our existence can we ever hope to know the joy and happiness that nothing and
no one can take from us. Undoubtedly, the New Year will bring its share of
surprises. Maybe one of the surprises of 2021 will be that this New Year exceeds
expectations. As we begin the New Year, I am optimistic that it will be a better
year and the storms of 2020 will be over”.
He also called for patriotism from both Nigerian leaders and the polity
“Dear brothers and sisters, my exhortation to you is not the fruit of philosophical
ponderings, political or social analysis, but of a simple prayerful reflection. It is
an encouragement to leaders to do more, and not to be afraid of correction or
criticism; citizens should adhere to and be guided by the words of our national
anthem. Christians and members of other religions should be faithful and
charitable, so that we can witness a transformation in all spheres of our private
and national life, in this way, peace will flow like a river and justice and progress
will follow”.
Bishop Kaigama also stressed the need for brotherly love towards one another while urging those involved in looting government funds to repent.
In this New Year, please, see a brother or sister in every Nigerian you meet.
Promise not to hurt or look down on another human being.
No matter the unemployment and poverty rate, compatriots should stop
kidnapping fellow human beings for money, not to talk of taking their lives,
because every human life is sacred.
Those who rob others of their valuable property should stop. Those who exploit
helpless victims in our police stations, courts, institutions, highways and offices
must stop.
Those who misuse government funds through corruption should repent like
Zacchaeus, the tax collector (cf. Luke 19), so that poverty can be conquered.
