- Seeks active role in shaping Nigeria’s educational reforms
- Attributes neo-paganism to decline in family values, pervasive influence of social media
- Condemns rising incidents of kidnapping priests, calls for collective action
The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has expressed the stance of the Catholic Church on pressing national issues at its recently convened 5th media parley held recently in Abuja. Key among these issues were the introduction of Sharia law in the Southwest, the growing trend of young Nigerians embracing pagan practices, the lure of quick fixes, the proposed 12-4 education system, and the disturbing phenomenon of kidnapping priests. The Catholic Church in Nigeria expressed strong concerns over the potential introduction of Sharia law in Southwest Nigeria, urging caution to avoid disenfranchising other religious groups.
Rev. Fr. Lawrence Emehel, Director of the Mission and Dialogue Department, emphasised the need for inclusivity and respect for religious diversity in the region. While acknowledging the constitutional allowances for Sharia law in personal matters, Fr. Emehel stressed that any legal reform must prioritise the rights of all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliation. He noted that Southwest Nigeria is a melting pot of diverse religious beliefs, and favouring one group over another could lead to conflict, particularly in families with different religious traditions.
The CSN’s Director of the Mission and Dialogue Department said, “The Catholic Church in Nigeria calls for caution – not to dismiss the legitimate desires of the people, but to acknowledge that we do not exist in isolation. It is crucial that the implementation of these laws does not inhibit or restrict others in their practices. Our identity as Nigerians is paramount, and this must not be undermined. The constitution guarantees religious liberty, but careful consideration is necessary to prevent discrimination or exclusion.”
As the debate surrounding Sharia law in Southwest Nigeria heats up, the Catholic Church’s call for caution and inclusivity keeps in focus the importance of respecting religious diversity, and promoting understanding and trust among all citizens. The CSN decried the growing trend of young Nigerians turning to pagan practices as a means of escaping socioeconomic difficulties. This development was attributed to a decline in family values and the pervasive influence of social media. The Church emphasised the need for collaborative efforts to address the root causes of this trend and promote a culture of values and faith.
Rev. Fr. Boniface Idoko, National Youth Animator, said, “Our youths are drawn to whatever seems to offer immediate relief or support, often leading them to pagan practices as a temporary escape from their challenges. The socio-economic environment undermines their mental stability, and old practices are resurfacing. The decline in family values has left children influenced by the streets and social media. “Without proper guidance, young people are easily swayed. The Church recognises its role as a nurturing force and is organising training sessions to redirect young minds towards true faith and worship. We aim to instil values against materialism and moral neglect, and to renew hope and understanding of faith. With God’s help, we hope to reclaim our youth.” CSN’s warning is a call to action for parents, guardians, and religious leaders to take a more active role in guiding young people. The Church, families, and communities must work together to provide young Nigerians with a strong moral foundation, one that will enable them to resist the lure of pagan practices and instead, find solace in their faith.
Fr. Idoko emphasised, “With God’s help, we can redirect our young people towards the path of righteousness and faith.” Rev. Fr. Michael Ayanleke Banjo, Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), sounded the alarm on the dangers of the ‘get rich quick’ mentality that has taken hold of Nigerian society. According to Fr. Banjo, this mentality is a major contributor to the moral decline in the country, as it glorifies unexplained wealth and erodes ethical principles.
The CSN’s General Secretary emphasised that the lack of a solid moral foundation has led to a situation where people can no longer differentiate between right and wrong. This moral apathy has created an environment where corrupt practices and pagan rituals thrive, further exacerbating the country’s moral decline. To combat this trend, Fr. Banjo stressed the importance of instilling values of honesty and contentment in children from a young age. He stressed that the family is the cornerstone of society and that it is the responsibility of parents, educators, and religious leaders to teach children the value of hard work and dignity in labour.
These values, he noted, are integral to Catholic teachings and are essential for building a morally upright society. In his words, “To transform Nigeria and eliminate the allure of paganism and corrupt practices, we must focus on forming consciences. Without a solid foundation, people cannot differentiate between right and wrong, leading to moral apathy.
The family is the cornerstone of society; if we wish to combat the ‘get rich quick’ mentality, we must instil values of honesty and contentment. We must teach children the value of hard work and dignity in labour, as these are integral to Catholic teachings. We must start with the family and extend to schools and places of worship. The responsibility is ours.” The Catholic Church also decried kidnapping of Priests as it also called for collective action against insecurity.
Rev. Fr. Augustine Fasiku, Director of the Pastoral Affairs Department, strongly condemned the rising incidents of kidnapping, targeting priests and other individuals in Nigeria. The cleric emphasised that the Church remains firm in its opposition to these criminal activities, which reflect the broader national problem of insecurity. He attributed the rise in kidnapping to a desperate need for financial gain, highlighting the need to address the root causes of this problem. He stressed that kidnapping is not just a concern for the Church, but a national issue that affects everyone.
The Catholic Church has continued to speak out against those engaging in kidnapping and other criminal activities, reminding Nigerians that the teachings of the Bible call for justice and compassion. The Director of the Pastoral Affairs Department underscored the importance of collective action to bring an end to these heinous acts, urging all stakeholders to work together to address the issue of insecurity. Fr. Fasiku said, “The Church has taken a firm stance against these acts, as they are not representative of our values. “This issue transcends the Church; it is a national concern that affects us all. We must collectively address the root causes of this problem. It is not just about peace; it impacts the entire country, as many people suffer from this crisis. The Church continues to speak out against those engaging in such acts, reminding us that the teachings of the Bible call for justice and compassion. “Therefore, it is crucial that all hands are on deck to bring an end to these heinous acts.”
The CSN also sought active role in shaping Nigeria’s educational reforms. The Church further stressed the need for its active participation in the ongoing consultations with the government regarding educational reforms, particularly the proposed 12-4 education system. Rev. Fr. Augustine Okochi, Director of the Pastoral Agents Department, reiterated the importance of ensuring that all stakeholders, including the Church, have a say in shaping educational policies that affect the future of Nigeria’s youth. The CSN’s Director of the Pastoral Agents Department highlighted the successful historical collaboration between the Church and government in Nigeria, expressing hope that this partnership will continue.
He noted that the Church is engaged in consultations and is monitoring the government’s actions in education, ensuring that the interests of Nigerian youth are protected. The proposed 12-4 education system has sparked intense debate among stakeholders, with some expressing concerns about its potential impact on the quality of education in Nigeria. Fr. Okochi’s statement emphasised the need for inclusive decision-making, ensuring that all stakeholders, including the Church, parents, teachers, and students, have a voice in shaping educational policies.
He said, “We recognise the importance of consulting all stakeholders before major decisions. Collaboration between the Church and government has historically been successful, and we hope to continue this partnership. We are engaged in consultations and monitoring the government’s actions in education.” The Catholic Church has a long history of commitment to education in Nigeria, with many of its institutions renowned for their academic excellence. The Church’s involvement in educational reforms is driven by its concern for the well-being and future of Nigerian youth.
