- Sadly, as a nation we have failed, Cardinal Okogie tells Nigerians
Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos has blamed the failure of the country on its citizenry. The Catholic colossus and paragon of social service noted that Nigerians are lacking in real commitment to their country. The Cardinal priest of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mt. Carmel of Mostacciano, said this, recently when the Management and Staff of St. Raphael Divine Mercy Specialist Hospital and Parishioners of Divine Mercy Catholic Church, both of Ijede Deanery paid him an annual courtesy visit at the Cardinal’s Court, Ikoyi, Lagos. Cardinal Okogie said to fix the country, the citizens must first unite as well as first fix themselves and respective families.
He said, “Sadly, as a nation we have failed in this regard. But the nation is only a reflection of her citizens. If Nigeria has failed to be united and develop after all these years, then it can be said that you and I who make up the nation have failed. So, to fix the nation, we must fix ourselves. To fix the nation, we must fix our families. “Let us begin by rolling up our sleeves, and doing the hard but necessary works, of sincere self-examination and evaluation and going back to the drawing board to see how we have missed it. We must learn to tell ourselves the truth, and allow the truth to guide all we do.”
The prelate urged Nigerians to embrace a nationalistic spirit devoid of tribal and political differences. “We must not allow frivolities such as ethnic extractions and political affiliations and the likes to continue to separate us. We must unite and rescue our lives, our Church, our society and our country. When we are united, we become stronger, and more resilient and more compassionate. We can achieve far more together than when we are alone.” Cardinal Okogie further urged the citizenry to appreciate the beauty of the country’s vast array of tribes and embrace the diversity as strength. In his words, “As members of diverse ethnic groups, we have a responsibility to embrace and celebrate our differences while finding common ground.
We must realise that our unique experiences, traditions and perspectives are strengths not weaknesses. By working together and learning from each other, we can build bridges, breakdown barriers and create a harmonious and inclusive community.” Speaking further, he enjoined Nigerians to carry out their tasks diligently and without selfish gains. The fiery priest attributed Nigeria’s challenges to a people problem rather than a leadership problem. “I would like to speak to our consciences as children of God, members of this vibrant and loving family and citizens of this country.
We do not need a soothsayer or a prophet to tell us that things are not well. I am not inviting us to deliberate on the many problems, but on how we can be part of the solution. “We complain of vices and evils of our leaders, but are we any different? In our own spaces, how do we carry out our tasks and responsibilities? How do we do them diligently, or are we only after our selfish and personal gain?” The Archbishop Emeritus of Lagos however, expressed joy at the courtesy visit as he applauded the respective advancement of the hospital and parish.
He said, “It’s a thing of joy to always have you all around and to hear how you are faring both in our hospital and in the parish, and even in individual lives. Every year, we are delighted to hear the level of progress, growth and development that is being achieved in both the hospital and the parish. “While we cannot shy away from the many challenges we face, both the ones you have mentioned here and all the other ones, we must not allow them deter or discourage us. As people of faith, we must commit them to our heavenly Father and be open to His directive so that He who promised to make our burdens light, and to give us rest, will be guide and consolation through Christ our Lord.
Amen.” The Cardinal Priest left his visitors with these parting words, “As you return to your different lives, let these few words stir your hearts individually and move you all to positive actions. Remember the change we seek, the good we desire, all begins with you and me.” The visiting team was led by Very Rev. Fr. Joe Ben Onyia, Dean of Ijede Deanery, Archdiocese of Lagos and Chaplain, St. Raphael Divine Mercy Special Hospital, Ijede, Lagos.
