- Calls for prophetic leadership, condemns corruption, indifference in Nigeria
The Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins has charged newly ordained deacons to recognise that their ordination is not a human achievement but an act of divine grace that must bear fruit in service to others. He gave this charge while delivering his homily at the ordination of four candidates into the sacred order of deacons and the inauguration of the newly elected officers of the Catholic Women Organisation Nigeria, Lagos Ecclesiastical Province (CWONLEP), held at Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos, on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
Archbishop Martins declared, “This moment is not a crown of glory but a cross of responsibility. The diaconate is not an ornament to wear but a burden to bear; not a title of privilege but a call to service.” The homily centred on the role of deacons, rooted in Scripture and Church tradition. He reminded the candidates that their vocation follows the model of the earliest deacons, who served at tables and cared for the marginalised. “A deacon cannot sit comfortably while Lazarus is at the gate,” the Archbishop said, using the biblical parable to emphasise that their mission must extend beyond the sanctuary to the peripheries of society. He likened the prophetic calling of a deacon to that of Amos, the Old Testament prophet who denounced corruption and injustice while comforting the oppressed.
“The deacon must be a prophetic voice in the face of injustice, corruption, and indifference,” he added. The Archbishop further reminded the candidates that their vestments — the stole and dalmatic — are not symbols of honour but “aprons of service.” He urged, “You must give life to the gospel you proclaim at the pulpit by recognising Christ in the hospital bed, at the bus stop, in the IDP camps, and at the roadside trader’s shop. To be a deacon is to promise never to walk past Lazarus as you live your diaconate.” Turning to Nigeria’s challenges, Archbishop Martins lamented the erosion of values and the culture of political defections. “In our country today, where the temptation to compromise is very real, the deacon is called to stand firm. He must serve at the altar not as a mere ritual performer but as one whose life is conformed to the sacrifice of Christ,” he said.
“The highest title you will ever bear is not ‘cleric’ or ‘reverend,’ but ‘servant of God’s people.’” As the candidates prepared to lie prostrate before the altar during the Litany of the Saints, he reminded them that the gesture symbolised surrender and readiness to be spent for the Gospel. “The Church needs your youthful fire, your humility, and your willingness to be instruments of God’s love,” he said. The liturgy also featured the inauguration of newly elected officers of CWONLEP, the umbrella body of Catholic women’s organisations in the province. In his homily, the Archbishop described the joint celebration as “a sign from God” that the mission of the Church is carried by clergy, religious, and laity alike. “It is as though God Himself wanted to remind us through these double celebrations that the mission of the Church is never carried by one single group alone,” he said.
“It is when each vocation, each charism, and each office is placed at the service of the one Gospel that the Church shines brightly and is at her best.” Archbishop Martins praised Catholic women for their vital role in sustaining families, nurturing youth, and promoting social outreach. “The family, the parish, and the society are strengthened by the witness of Catholic women. Today, as you take office, remember that leadership is also service,” he told the officers. He further underscored their prophetic mission, charging them to rise above indifference and transform maternal compassion into social action. “My dear mothers and sisters, your role is also prophetic. You are called to feel the pain of our nation, to rise in solidarity with those abandoned, and to turn your maternal compassion into social action,” he declared.
Drawing again from Amos, he reminded the executives: “Every time you feed a hungry child, every time you gather women for prayer and empowerment, every time you stand against injustice in your communities, it must be in answer to the cry of Amos.” He warned them never to reduce the poor to statistics. “Lazarus is not an idea; he is a person. Whereas the rich man was nameless, Jesus gave the poor man a name. Before God, the poor have faces, names, and stories. In your ministry, always see the face, always hear the name, always honour the story of each member of your organisation,” he urged.
CWONLEP unites women from parishes across Lagos Archdiocese and the dioceses of Ijebu-Ode and Abeokuta. Its outreach includes maternal health, poverty alleviation, and youth empowerment, often in collaboration with civic groups and NGOs. Finally, Archbishop Martins situated the celebrations within Nigeria’s wider struggles. “Yes, there is injustice. Yes, there is corruption. Yes, there is indifference. But God still raises prophets, servants, mothers, and ministers.
The ordination of deacons and the inauguration of CWONLEP are God’s way of saying: all hope is not lost, I have not abandoned your country,” he said. He called on the new leaders — men and women alike — to become “agents of hope” in a society weighed down by despair. “In the face of injustice, we do not surrender. In the face of death, we proclaim life. The new deacons and the new CWONLEP leaders must be agents of this hope, reminding Nigeria that despair is not a choice for us.”
… Lady Alabi pledges unity and empowerment as new CWONLEP President
Lady Catherine Alabi has been inaugurated as the new President of the Catholic Women Organisation Nigeria, Lagos Ecclesiastical Province (CWONLEP), with a clear vision to foster unity, deepen spirituality, and promote empowerment among Catholic women. Speaking shortly after the inauguration of her executive team at Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos, Lady Alabi described the moment as a deeply spiritual milestone. “I feel very great,” she said with a smile.
“I had the intention of singing, but because Archbishop had said no talking today, I couldn’t. Otherwise, I would have sung ‘Take me as I am,’ Hymn 112 in the Catholic Hymn Book. That is my life: simple, open, and equal to all. No godmother, no godfather—let God just decide for you.” She emphasised that her guiding principle in leadership will be equality and inclusivity. “Take everybody equally, no matter the tribe, no matter the language, no matter what. We are all one, and that is my advice for everyone,” she declared. Looking ahead, Lady Alabi underscored her priorities as CWONLEP President. “We should bring unity—that is what I will work on.
And also the enhancement of spirituality,” she noted, pledging to ensure that women across the province are drawn closer to God while standing stronger together as one family in Christ. Confronting the reality of economic hardship facing many women and families, the new president also echoed the Archbishop’s call for fairness in financial contributions. “The amount of levy should be reduced, I quite agree with that,” she affirmed. “We should reduce the levy on everything and look for other ways of generating funds. That is empowerment— trying to help the less privileged among us, whether in educating their children or supporting whatever they want to do for a living.”
Her words drew nods of approval from members present, as she positioned CWONLEP not just as a faith-driven association, but also as a support system for women navigating the country’s challenging realities. Lady Alabi and her executives will serve a term dedicated to strengthening Catholic women’s spirituality while fostering solidarity and empowerment at every level of the Church and society.
