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By Sunny A. David, Awka
Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja has called on Nigerian Muslims and Christians to move beyond external displays of religiosity and instead live out their faith with integrity.
This message came during his homily at the opening Mass for the 2025 First Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).
Noting the coincidence of the Muslim fasting period of Ramadan with the Christian Lenten season, Archbishop Kaigama emphasized the need for mutual respect and understanding between the two faith communities.
He urged both Muslims and Christians to observe their respective penitential seasons with the right spiritual and social attitudes, hoping this would lead to a happier, more peaceful Nigeria free from hunger, poverty, kidnapping, and corruption.
The Archbishop also challenged Christians in positions of authority to lead by example, citing the example of Zacchaeus, who repented and made amends for past wrongdoings.
He invited leaders across various sectors to take responsibility by denying themselves ill-gotten wealth and to prioritize justice, advocacy for the poor, and rejection of oppression.
Speaking on the theme “Jubilee of Hope: A Light for a New Nigeria,” Archbishop Kaigama stressed the need for Nigerians to recommit themselves to being a force for positive change, especially in the face of economic hardship, insecurity, corruption, and social division.
He emphasized that a new Nigeria is possible if its people take responsibility for building it with integrity and faith.
At the Mass, which had in attendance Catholic Bishops in Nigeria, the Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Crotty, and the laity, the CBCN President, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, in his opening remarks, invited all to pray for the Conference, the country Nigeria, and the Holy Father, Pope Francis.
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