Poverty Looms Like a Time Bomb, Lagos Archbishop Warns
…As Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos Ordains Ten New Priests
In a stark warning, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Alfred Adewale Martins, has sounded the alarm over Nigeria’s rising poverty levels, describing the situation as a “time bomb waiting to explode” unless urgent and effective measures are taken. His remarks came during the ordination ceremony for ten new priests of the Lagos Archdiocese, held at the Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit, Onireke, on Thursday, October 31, 2024.
Speaking passionately on the country’s socioeconomic challenges, Archbishop Martins emphasized the need for visible sacrifices, particularly from government leaders, to alleviate the hardships imposed by ongoing economic reforms. “I believe that, in the first instance, the leadership needs to show that it is necessary to make sacrifices. By themselves making sacrifices that people can see, people can feel that they are making,” he remarked.
Despite the current struggles, Martins urged Nigerians not to abandon hope. He acknowledged that while recent economic reforms have yet to ease the daily burden on citizens, they are essential steps towards sustainable growth. “Although the efforts obviously have not translated into an easier life or better life for people yet, I think we are very cynical because of our experiences with politicians over the years,” he noted. “If there are signals that there must be some hope, let us give ourselves a chance to hope. Because I believe there is some hope which, eventually, if policies are followed in a way that will really benefit the people, then there is no reason to lose hope.”
The ordination of the ten new priests marks a significant boost to the Catholic community in Lagos, bringing the total number of priests in the archdiocese to 186. “We add 10 to the 176 that were there before. So, we just say thanks be to God that the numbers are increasing, and they are getting greater every year by the grace of God,” Martins said, underscoring the importance of the new priests in the archdiocese’s mission.
Addressing the newly ordained, Archbishop Martins stressed the high calling of the priesthood, urging them to embody the values and teachings of Christ. “They are being ordained is what we call, in the theology of the Biblical language, being configured to Christ; being made to become the presence of Christ in the world today. And that is a big thing for anybody to be,” he explained, highlighting that their service should reveal Christ to others.
In his homily, Father Vincent Oluwanifesimi Bankole of St. Charles Lwanga Catholic Church, Orile Agege, also urged the new priests to avoid competition, instead seeing their calling as a path of dedicated service in God’s vineyard. “The priesthood is not a right,” he affirmed, encouraging them to preach the Catholic faith sincerely and unwaveringly.
The ordination ceremony, with Archbishop Martins flanked by the ten new priests, marks not only a solemn religious occasion but also a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s faithful, even as they face significant societal challenges. UBA Foundation’s Essay Competition Inspires Nigeria’s Youth
