In a life dedicated to service, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos has been a beacon of faith and leadership. His journey from a devout Catholic family to becoming the spiritual leader of one of Nigeria’s most dynamic dioceses is marked by humility, dedication, and a profound sense of purpose. In this feature, we delve into the life, reflections, and aspirations of Archbishop Martins as he shares his story with the Editor, NETA NWOSU.
Humble beginnings and early vocation
Archbishop Martins’ call to priesthood was neither dramatic nor extraordinary. Born into a staunchly Catholic family, his early life was deeply intertwined with the Church. “We had the obligation of being part of the Church’s life,” he recalls. Boys became altar servers, girls joined the choir, and the seeds of his vocation were sown early. His time at St. Theresa’s Minor Seminary, Oke-Are, nurtured this calling, leading him to the Ss. Peter and Paul Seminary. In 1983, he was ordained, stepping into a lifelong commitment to serve.
Seminary days: Foundations of a life of service
Reflecting on his seminary years, Archbishop Martins describes a rigorous and intimate formation process. “At that time, you couldn’t hide as a seminarian,” he notes, emphasising the close-knit community and mutual support among classmates. This camaraderie, coupled with academic and spiritual growth, laid a strong foundation for his future ministry.
A young priest in Lagos
Archbishop Martins began his priesthood at the Holy Cross Cathedral in Lagos. This period was pivotal, offering him the chance to learn from experienced missionaries and senior priests. “We were thoroughly engaged,” he recalls, citing the heavy demands of Masses, hospital visits, and robust interactions with schools. This immersion in pastoral life prepared him for the challenges and joys of his calling.
Bishop of Abeokuta: A new beginning
In 1997, the Diocese of Abeokuta was created, and Archbishop Martins was appointed its first bishop. This marked a new chapter, as he led the young diocese in establishing its pastoral and administrative structures. “It was a great time,” he reflects, crediting the priests, religious, and lay faithful for their sacrifices and goodwill. Together, they laid a solid foundation for the diocese’s growth.
Archbishop of Lagos: Leadership and Vision
In 2012, Archbishop Martins was elevated to the Archbishopric status when he became the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos. The news came as a surprise, but he embraced it as God’s will. Lagos, a diverse and dynamic metropolis, presented unique challenges and opportunities. “The diversity of its population and the size of its Catholic community are peculiarities,” he observes. With these come high expectations, which he has met with a focus on unity, engagement, and growth.
Milestones in Leadership
The past 13 years, Archbishop Martins has spearheaded transformative initiatives in the Archdiocese. One of his significant achievements is the reformation of Parish Councils, emphasising clear guidelines and roles. “We want associations of lay faithful that help people grow in holiness,” he explains. His commitment to leadership training for priests and laity has also strengthened the Church’s administrative and spiritual fabric. Under his watch, the Archdiocese has witnessed physical and institutional growth.
The establishment of St. Kizito College and advancements at Augustine University, including the flagship Faculty of Engineering, are testaments to his vision. The Archbishop has also overseen the development of a priests’ retirement home, ensuring dignified care for those who have served the Church. His tenure of service as Chief Shepherd of the Archdiocese is also marked by many other laudable accomplishments, such as the ordination of 83 priests for the Archdiocese of Lagos, bringing the number of incardinated priests to 187. Prior to his installation, there were only 7 deaneries in Lagos, but through his organisational acumen and initiative, the number of deaneries in the Archdiocese have soared to 20 across the four regions.
This development in particular, has greatly facilitated the smooth administration of a populated and socio-culturally complex ecclesiastical circumscription like Lagos Archdiocese with a total number of 229 parishes and over four million Catholics. Archbishop Martins has also spear-headed the construction and dedication of not less than 48 parishes across the Archdiocese. Through his exemplary leadership, the Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, a project envisioned and kick-started by His Eminence, Anthony Cardinal Okogie, is now a full-fledged degree awarding institution owned by the Archdiocese with a good number of graduates already.
Other ongoing projects like the St. John Mary Vianney Home for Priests and the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre are further testaments to Archbishop Martins’ relentless commitment to the growth of the Archdiocese. His Grace has also put together, for the first time in the history of Lagos Archdiocese, a melodious and inspiring Anthem, which stands out as a symbol of unity, commitment to faith and devotion to the Cross and the mission of evangelising the world.
Challenges and resilience
Leading the Archdiocese of Lagos is not without its challenges. The demand for more priests and the financial strain of large-scale projects are ongoing concerns. “People think Lagos has lots of money, but the responsibilities here are immense,” he remarks. Yet, he remains undeterred, drawing on the Yoruba adage, “Owo Eko, Eko lo ngbe” (The money of Lagos is spent on Lagos), to underscore the balance of blessings and obligations.
A vision for the future
Archbishop Martins envisions a vibrant Church where every member takes ownership of evangelisation and spiritual growth. “I am looking forward to a time when everyone feels a sense of responsibility for the Church’s growth,” he shares. His focus extends to youth engagement, with policies and programmes aimed at fostering their participation in the Church’s mission. On an institutional level, the Archbishop is committed to the development of Augustine University, the St. Raphael Divine Mercy Specialist Hospital, and a proposed School of Nursing. These projects aim to meet educational and health care needs while contributing to the Church’s broader mission.
A personal journey of faith
For Archbishop Martins, personal growth remains central to his life’s mission. “I want to better fulfill the purpose for which God created me,” he reflects. This includes, deepening his relationship with God, fostering meaningful connections, and guiding the Archdiocese towards its spiritual and pastoral goals.
Final notes
Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins’ journey is a testament to faith, leadership, and service. From his early days as an altar server to his current role as the spiritual leader of the Lagos Archdiocese, he has remained steadfast in his commitment to God and His people. As he looks to the future, his vision of a united, engaged, and spiritually vibrant Church continues to inspire. In his words, “With the grace of God, we shall achieve the goals we have set for the Archdiocese.”
Ad multos annos!
On this day of his 27th Episcopal Anniversary, we thank the good Lord who has sustained him thus far and enabled him to accomplish these and many other unmentioned feats, and pray that he will always have the grace to continue to serve in love.
