The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Martins has urged Nigerians to draw strength from the Word of God and place their trust in him, to combat the problems and adversities confronting them. Archbishop Martins gave this charge during the 2021 Laity Week celebration of the Lagos Archdiocesan Laity Council, tagged “The Word of God: Dependable light and hope of survival in adversity”, held recently at St. Gregory’s College, Obalende, Lagos Urging the people to learn to cultivate the habit of studying, praying and meditating on the Word of God, the Archbishop encouraged them to draw inspiration from the people of Israel, who depended on God to overcome the adversities they faced upon their departure from the land of Egypt. Speaking on the theme, he said: “Amidst all the problems we are facing, we must draw strength and hope from the Word of God. This is why the theme for this year’s Laity Week Celebration; ‘The Word of God: Dependable light and hope of survival in adversity’ is apt and fitting. “Scripture reminds us in Psalm 119:109 that the Word of God is a Lamp for our steps, and a Light for our paths.
We are therefore encouraged to place our trust in God and his Word especially, during this period of uncertainty. We should draw inspiration from the people of Israel, who upon their departure from Egypt, and the many uncertainties that they faced, placed their faith and trust in the Word of God, spoken through his servant Moses. Indeed, during their journey through the desert, the Lord guided them by a Pillar of Cloud by day and a Pillar of Fire by night. From the experience of the Israelites in the desert, there is no doubt that there is power in the Word of God and it is this power that guides us through our uncertainties and is our hope when faced with adversity. “I therefore exhort you all on the occasion of this year’s Laity Week Celebration, to draw strength from the Word of God and place your trust in his abiding presence. Learn to cultivate the habit of studying, praying and meditating on the Word of God. I assure you that you will never go astray and you will always be guided when faced with uncertainties because through his Word, God himself speaks to us and urges us onward.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Chizube Igboanugo, President, Lagos Archdiocesan Laity Council, while enumerating the problems and adversities confronting the Church, the nation and the world at large, prayed for God’s grace and mercy to overcome them all. She urged the people to present to God a life of productivity, not just by earning good money to live a good life, but also for the benefit of others, by way of evangelisation, service and humility, as well as showing love to others. Quoting Ephesians 4:11-13, she further urged the people to continue to show and share their talent, adding that they are here for a purpose, to be light of the world and salt of the earth. “St Paul told us in1 Cor.4:1-2 that we are ministers of Christ and should be found faithful. We have all been given a talent or two; let us continue to use the talents for God and humanity”, she said. In his message, Mr. Thomas Folu Adekoya, KSJI, National President, Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria, CLCN, thanked God for seeing Nigerians through the challenging and difficult past year, 2020, as he urged the people to draw encouragement from the assurance of Scripture that they will conquer all adversities.
Speaking on the significance of hope, in difficult situations, Adekoya said hope is a vital necessity of life, and a gift from God to humanity to overcome adversities. The CLCN President urged the laity to follow the instruction given to them during the activities for the Laity Week, as well as walking in the path of God, who is capable of removing all obstacles standing in their way. Awardees at the event include, Mrs. Chika Odunzeh Oguike, Dr. (Mrs.) Ifeoma Atoh, Mrs. Joyce-Mary Seyi-Idowu, Lady Stella Opara, Lady Nwakaego Felicia Muomah, Lady Theresa Ayotunde Awokulehin, Sir Francis Udubor, Mrs. Unoma J. Adeniyi, among others.
