Lagos Archbishop ordains 14 deacons, elevates six to priesthood, charges new clergy on selfless service

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, has urged Nigerians to actively participate in the 2027 general elections, saying voting remains an important means of replacing bad leaders and enthroning those capable of advancing the development of the country.

Martins gave the charge on Thursday during an ordination ceremony at the Church of the Ascension, Airport Road, Ikeja, Lagos, where 14 seminarians were ordained deacons while six deacons were elevated to the priesthood.

The Archbishop, who presided over the ceremony as the chief shepherd of the Archdiocese, also charged the newly ordained deacons and priests to embrace selfless service to God, the Church and humanity.

He admonished the new clergy to uphold discipline, humility, probity and exemplary conduct as they assume their responsibilities in the Holy Order.

The candidates had earlier pledged their loyalty to the Church and submitted themselves to the rites and oaths associated with their ordination.

Addressing the ordinands, Martins reminded them that their calling was fundamentally one of service, drawing attention to the example of Jesus Christ, who demonstrated humility and service to others.

“My sons, you are being raised to the order of deacons and priesthood. The Lord has set an example for you to follow.

“As ministers who will serve Jesus Christ, who was known among His disciples as the one who served others, do the will of God generously.

“Serve God and mankind in love and joy. Look upon all unchastity and avarice as worship of false gods; for no man can serve two masters,” he said.

The Archbishop further urged the newly ordained ministers to maintain good reputations and conduct themselves in a manner worthy of their calling.

“Like the men the apostles chose for works of charity, you should be a man of good reputation, filled with wisdom and the Holy Spirit.

“Show before God and mankind that you are above every suspicion of blame, a true minister of Christ and God’s mysteries, a man firmly rooted in faith,” Martins said.

Martins Urges Nigerians to Vote in 2027
Turning his attention to national affairs, the Archbishop advised Nigerians not to become indifferent to the future and development of the country.

He urged citizens to participate actively in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that the quality of leadership in the country was closely connected to citizens’ participation in choosing their representatives.

According to him, Nigerians should use their votes to reject bad leadership and elect leaders who would advance the welfare and development of society.

Martins encouraged citizens not only to vote but also to consider offering themselves for elective positions where they have the capacity and competence to serve.

He said active participation in the electoral process would enable Nigerians to have a greater influence over the direction of the country.

The Archbishop urged citizens to determine the kind of leaders they wanted and use the democratic process to elect leaders capable of managing the country’s resources in the interest of all.

He emphasised the need for Nigerians to take an active interest in the nation’s wealth and ensure that public resources were deployed for the common good.

New clergy charged with service

The Archbishop’s message to the newly ordained clergy centred on sacrifice, integrity and service.

He reminded them that priesthood was not a position of privilege but a call to serve God and humanity.

He therefore urged them to remain faithful to their calling, avoid greed and immoral conduct, and demonstrate the values of the Gospel in their dealings with members of the Church and the wider society.

The ordination ceremony brought together clergy, religious faithful, family members and well-wishers to celebrate the elevation of the candidates into different levels of the Holy Order.

Those ordained deacons

The 14 seminarians ordained deacons were Rev. Benedict Udeh-Apeh, Rev. John God’s Power Theodore, Rev. Emmanuel Chisom Ibeakwaeze and Rev. Mathias Tochukwu Okeke.

Others were Rev. Anthony Uchechukwu Azubuike, Rev. Reuben Mautin Yonronfun, Rev. Augustine Chiebuka Anyanwu, Rev. Matthew Setonji Salako, Rev. Victor Ojochenemi Musa and Rev. Collins Chukwudi Amaizu.

The remaining ordinands were Rev. Linford Ikenna Unogu, Rev. Leo Chukwuebuka Okoye, Rev. Francis Chinonso Ifedioranma and Rev. Vincent Oginikachukwu Akunne.

Six were elevated to the priesthood.

Those elevated to the priesthood were Rev. Peter Sewanu Mokun, Rev. Johnpaul Tobechukwu Nwabuisi, Rev. Jerome Chisom Anozie, Rev. Morris Chukwunonso Mordi, Rev. Joshua Oluwaseun Fipiade and Rev. John Emeka Odika.

The ceremony ended with prayers and blessings for the newly ordained clergy as they began their respective ministries and responsibilities in the service of the Catholic Church.