Christmas: Lagos Archbishop inspires hope, encourages Nigerians to rise above fear

Stanley Ihedigbo

Lagos Catholic Archbishop, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, on Wednesday preached hope and enduring peace for Nigeria and Nigerians as they celebrate Christmas.

Adewale delivered the message in his Christmas address, signed by the Church’s Director of Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, in Lagos State.

The Archbishop emphasized the need to give thanks to God for the joy of celebrating another Christmas, despite the many challenges people face individually and as a country.

The High Priest regretted the violent crimes the nation has been contending with, declaring that Nigeria is in the midst of a tide of criminal violence, fear, and despair affecting many citizens.

He urged people not to lose hope, but to live in the hope that can be assured only by God Himself, the one in whom hope does not disappoint.

“As we hope in God, we must also insist that everyone, especially those in government at all levels and all politicians, work intentionally to generate hope in our people, not simply with empty platitudes, but through courageous and meaningful action to stem the tide of fear and criminal activities in the land,” he said.

The Archbishop lamented that the government has not done enough to provide the most fundamental assurance to its citizens: the hope of a secure and dignified future.

“While we are not oblivious to the efforts being made by the government, we must also admit that the present reality of insecurity and pervasive fear has made it almost impossible for the average Nigerian to thrive or even dream with confidence,” he said.

“We must continue to appeal to the nation’s leadership to urgently bring an end to kidnappings and killings, and to give assurance to communities that feel targeted or under siege by criminal elements in the country. Our citizens do not need mere promises, but decisive action that secures our farms, our roads, our schools, and our places of worship. After all is said and done, the primary duty of the state is to protect the life and property of its citizens,” he added.

He urged Nigerians not to succumb to despair. “The coming of Christ at Christmas is God’s definitive entry into a world of struggle and a potent intervention in human history. Our hope is not a distant reality, but a call to embody His presence here and now, as we show love, empathy, and kindness toward one another, especially those most in need among us.

“We must all remember that the true essence of this season lies in a selflessness that fights for justice, a humility that serves the broken among us, and a love that dismantles walls of division.

“The national transformation we long for will surely come,” Archbishop Martins said, “if we all choose to obey the fundamental commandments of God: to love Him and our neighbour, and also to uphold the rule of law. We must learn to live at peace with one another, irrespective of religion, tribe, or political affiliation.

“Let this Christmas be a turning point,” he urged. “Let us put aside hatred, embrace our shared humanity, and work tirelessly to build a Nigeria where every person can live with dignity, free from fear and oppression. Let us build bridges, not walls. The light of Christ, shining in our hearts and actions, is the sure foundation for the brighter future we all seek.”