- Charges citizens to reject bribery and uphold integrity
- Enjoins Nigeran leaders to reject ill-gotten wealth, prioritise people’s welfare
Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Abuja has warned against erection of monumental places of worship and unhealthy rivalry between religious groups in the country, stressing that true faith is not about grandiose displays of wealth, supremacy and power, but about humility, simplicity, and service. Archbishop Kaigama made this assertion recently while delivering the homily at the Opening Mass of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) first 2025 Plenary Assembly in Abuja. He urged Christians to move beyond empty rituals and symbols of faith.
In his word, “Enough of external religiosity, empty religious symbols, and the erection of monumental places of worship. “We must stop doing everything to outdo one another by parading religion, instead of living out our religious values.” Archbishop Kaigama challenged both Christians and Muslims to harness the power of their faith to drive national transformation in Nigeria. Speaking on the theme “Jubilee of Hope: A Light for a New Nigeria,” the Archbishop emphasised the need for people of faith to reject corruption, embrace justice, and extend compassion to the needy.
As Christians prepare for Easter and Muslims observe Ramadan, Archbishop Kaigama urged both communities to fast not just from food, but from corruption, hatred, and injustice, emphasising that faith must be lived out in practical ways, particularly in the pursuit of justice and compassion. “As we Christians journey towards Easter and our Muslim brothers observe Ramadan, let us fast not just from food, but from corruption, hatred, and injustice.
The Church in Nigeria must recommit to being the light that dispels darkness,” he said. The Archbishop also highlighted the critical role that the Church must play in dispelling darkness and promoting hope in Nigeria. According to him, by recommitting to its mission as a light in the darkness, the Church can help to bring about a brighter future for all Nigerians. Archbishop Kaigama also sounded the alarm on the state of Nigeria, decrying the tragic Christmas stampede at Holy Trinity, Maitama, Abuja, where lives were lost in a desperate bid for food. This incident, he lamented, is a disgrace in a nation abundantly blessed with resources.
At the heart of Nigeria’s problems, Archbishop Kaigama identified the failure of leadership. He urged Nigerian leaders – political, military, religious, and traditional – to take responsibility by rejecting ill-gotten wealth and prioritising the welfare of the people. The prelate highlighted the need for Nigerians to re-examine their values and priorities. “If we pray and fast, but continue to hurt the vulnerable, our fasting and prayers are meaningless,” he stressed.
The Archbishop reaffirmed that a new Nigeria is possible, but it requires citizens to reject bribery, uphold integrity, mentor the younger generation, and foster communities built on kindness and unity. On a final note, Archbishop Kaigama said, “The real measure of faith is not in the size of our Churches or Mosques but in our ability to live with honesty, love, and justice.”
