…Commissions new catechists into Lagos Archdiocesan Guild of Catechists (LAGC)
Lagos, Nigeria — The Catholic Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, has called on Nigerian leaders to prioritise good governance over political maneuvering, urging them to focus on improving the welfare of citizens rather than engaging in endless politicking.
Archbishop Martins made the appeal during the commissioning of new catechists from various Catholic parishes across Lagos into the Lagos Archdiocesan Guild of Catechists (LAGC), held at St. Dominic Catholic Church, Yaba, as part of activities marking the 2025 Catechist Day and Jubilee Year of Hope Celebration.
Expressing concern over the growing wave of political alignments and defections among politicians, the Archbishop said such activities have distracted leaders from their core responsibility of governance and service to the people.
“Politicians are aligning and realigning, decamping and recamping, and all of that,” he lamented. “It’s really putting governance in a bad state in the whole scheme of things. Our appeal is that politicians should recognise that they were voted first of all to ensure that life is better for the people. You are voted to ensure that the economy and the social environment are good for the well-being of Nigerians.”
While acknowledging the right of politicians to campaign and pursue their ambitions, Archbishop Martins urged them to remember their primary duty — creating an enabling environment that promotes economic stability and social welfare.
“We should not tell them not to campaign,” he added, “but let them at least ensure that they do their primary duty of creating an enabling environment for the welfare of Nigerians.”
Turning to the theme of the event, “Do Not Lose Heart; Awakening Pilgrims of Hope,” Archbishop Martins encouraged the newly commissioned catechists to remain steadfast in their calling as teachers of the faith, guiding the faithful towards deeper knowledge of God and the doctrines of the Church.
“We must thank God for calling you to this important vocation in our Church — a vocation of teaching the faith,” he said. “Some of you have gone through formation and education, and now you are graduating. Others are renewing their pledge today. By the grace of God, all of you have been called to lead others to the knowledge of God and the teachings of the Church.”
The Archbishop further reminded the faithful of the importance of gratitude and devotion, urging everyone to always give thanks to God for the gift of faith and the privilege of partaking in the Word and the Eucharist.
“It is important to remind ourselves of the need to say, ‘Thank you, Jesus,’ from time to time — and perhaps all the time — when the opportunity arises,” he said.
The event, which brought together clergy, religious leaders, and members of the Catholic community, also featured thanksgiving, prayers, and a reaffirmation of the catechists’ commitment to their sacred duty of evangelization.
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