Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins has assured Nigerians of the Church’s continued commitment in its role of helping the people recognise the values that are of utmost importance to them, as it serves the common good in integrity and honesty. Archbishop Martins gave the assurance while speaking at Mass in commemoration of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, and investiture of Papal Knights and Medalists, held recently at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos.
Archbishop Martins who decried the hardship evident all around the country, asked those responsible for securing the welfare of the people to up their game, and ensure something is done to ameliorate the situation. The Archbishop urged the government to encourage and support the initiatives of private enterprises so that they would be able to thrive within the nation, as he added that if provided with an enabling environment, these enterprises are veritable source of employment for the citizens. According to him, “These days, there are multiple of taxation of different kinds of levels. We talk about the fact that the facilities and infrastructure needed are not adequately provided to drive the economy. “
More especially, we are asking that government officials lead us by example, because to justify corruption by any stretch of imagination is certainly not the best. They should lead us to higher values.” Speaking on peaceful protests held in the country, Archbishop Martins asked that the people’s right to protest be respected, adding that it is one of the ways in which people can give feedback to government about their state of life, as long as it does not lead to criminal activities. The Archbishop decried the arrest and refusal of protesters access to their lawyers and family members, as he noted that the law provides that people are presumed innocent until proven guilty. “
Citizens should be allowed rights to protect their dignity. There’s absolutely no justification for holding or even arraigning people who are demonstrating that they are not satisfied with the situation, or that they are hungry. People should be allowed rights to good representation and to be heard”, he said. On the Feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the Archbishop disclosed that the Cross is at the very centre of the faith of Christians, stating that it is woven of prayers, lives, homes into our very identity as Christians.
Describing the Cross as a sign of victory, the Archbishop said, “When we celebrate the Cross, we are not glamourising the Cross. The Cross is not of defeat, but victory. It is a sign of triumph over suffering and death. It is the means by which God offers salvation. The Cross is not something to be avoided; It is something we are called to embrace; our comfort. It is a call to live for others.” The event witnessed the investiture of Papal Knighthood and Medals to eminent Catholics, including, Christine Otedola, Walter Akpani, Peter Amangbo, Peter Nwanze, and Julius Britto.
