Archbishop Martins urged Nigerians to maintain their commitment to hope and faith in his Christmas celebration message

The Most Reverend (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, has urged Nigerians to hold true to their faith and trust that the Almighty God will liberate our nation from the shackles of bad leadership and the ensuing poverty, injustice, inequity, and feelings of marginalization.

He urged everyone to continue holding onto the hope that Nigeria would one day return to the road of wealth and peace.

The Director of Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, signed the 2022 Christmas message from Archbishop Martins, who stated that, just as Jesus was born on Christmas Eve and brought redemption to all of humanity, so his birth this year will bring about positive change to the nation’s socio-economic and political landscape.

According to the cardinal, Christmas should be a sign of hope that God hasn’t forgotten about Nigeria and Nigerians. On the contrary, the time will soon come when the forces of regression will be defeated.

He said “Just as Christmas begets hope for humanity, so also it heralds hope for our country Nigeria, particularly at this period when millions of citizens are in pain and frustrated as a result of hardship in the land. We must cultivate the spirit of expectanc.

“Just as the story of Christmas is the story of God’s unending love for us, my message to you is that God loves us and so his love is bound to beget hope; hope for a better tomorrow. As the Prophet Isaiah prophesied, our salvation is close at hand.”

“However, as they say: heaven helps those who help themselves, so all Nigerians need to do the needful; we must all pay keen attention to the political happenings as we look forward to the general elections coming up next year. All eligible Nigerians who have registered must take time to go and get their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) and come out en-masse to cast their votes in February and March 2023. We must ensure that we cast out votes not on the basis of primordial sentiments but on the bases of character, capacity, competence and demonstrated disposition to change the fortunes of this great nation,” Martins added.

The Prelate also advised Nigerians to avoid selling their votes to the highest political bidders in order to protect their futures and the futures of their children. He urged them to pray for the spirit of discernment to help them choose the right leaders in the upcoming elections.

He also issued a challenge to the political class, urging them to constantly let their fear of God direct them in the direction of wise decisions that will advance society as a whole rather than just a privileged few.