Politics
By Anthony Isibor
THE Catholic Bishops of the Lagos Ecclesiastical Province have decried the rise of neo-paganism among some Nigerian youths and the consequent lapse into practices that undermine the Christian faith and values.
The Bishops, which comprises of the Archdiocese of Lagos, and the Dioceses of Ijebu-Ode and Abeokuta, made this known through a communiqué issued at the end of their first plenary meeting held recently in Lagos.
According to the communiqué signed by Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of Lagos and Most Rev. Francis Adesina, Bishop of Ijebu Ode, Chairman and Secretary respectively, many young people are being lured into money-making rituals and internet fraud activities backed up by neo-pagan beliefs that give or offer false promises of wealth and protection.
The bishops, who described these activities as threat to the purity of the Christian faith, called on religious leaders and parents to urgently address this trend by providing the youths with sound biblical and moral foundation that is strengthened by appropriate mentorship opportunities in order to equip them to navigate the complexities of the modern world.
The meeting was not just an opportunity to reflect on issues affecting the Church but also about the nation.
According to them, Nigeria is undoubtedly at a critical moment in its journey towards nationhood. “So we have the perennial challenges of insecurity, corruption, poverty, violence and activities of violent non-state actors that continue to threaten its stability and progress. The economy struggles with rising inflation, unemployment, and a widening gap between the rich and the poor have among other things led to the tragic loss of life of over 100 people in December last year as they struggled to access palliatives.
“This tragedy underscores the need to bring about a change from the “palliative mentality” to an “empowerment culture.” This approach will restore citizens’ dignity and pride and help to achieve a genuine reduction of the rate of poverty. Furthermore, government officials, the civil society organizations, the organized private sector and indeed all citizens must collaborate to promote transparency, accountability and good governance. By working together, we can build a country that is more just, equitable and prosperous for all.
The Bishops also expressed deep concerns over the deplorable conditions and inadequate care afforded to Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, migrants and refugees in Nigeria.
It noted that the humanitarian crises precipitated by the activities of different terrorist groups, the communal conflicts and natural disasters in the country is alarming, especially as the UNHCR report stated that more than 2.5 million people have been forced to flee their homes, lost their loved ones, their properties, means of livelihood and lacking the basic necessities of life.
Although the group appreciated the efforts at alleviating the condition of these unfortunate citizens by units of the Church and Society Department of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, CSN, such as Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria, the Justice Development and Peace Commission, JDPC, as well as other non-governmental organisations such as the International Organisation for Migration, IOM, and International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC, it, however, urged the governments at all levels to do much better than it is doing presently and prioritize the well-being of these vulnerable individuals and provide adequate assistance, ensuring their care, protection, and support.
A.I
Jan. 27, 2025
Tags: Catholic Bishops of the Lagos Ecclesiastical Province Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins Most Rev. Francis Adesina
