Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja Catholic Archdiocese has called on Nigerians to commit to justice, integrity, and love to birth a new Nigeria.

Mr Kaigama said this while delivering a sermon on Sunday at the opening mass of the 2025 first plenary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria in Abuja.

Mr Kaigama said, “As Nigerians, we still find ourselves in a wilderness of economic hardship, insecurity, corruption, and social division, with many burdened by despair.

“Yet, just as God led the Israelites out of slavery and brought them into a land of abundance, He can also lead Nigeria into a new era of justice, peace, and prosperity.

“However, Nigeria, like ancient Israel, must turn back to God, trusting in His providence and seeking renewal through faith, justice, and love.”

He urged Nigerians to be agents of positive change, emphasising that transformation often begins with individuals, families, workplaces, and institutions.

The cleric also urged political, judicial, military, and religious leaders, past and present, to take responsibility for past wrongs, return ill-gotten wealth, and work towards a better Nigeria.

According to him, if they wallow in luxury and do little to ease the suffering of the people, they miss the point.

Mr Kaigama further said that Nigerians should embrace the Lenten season as a time of spiritual renewal and national transformation. He explained that Lent was a season set aside by the Catholic Church for sober reflection and repentance while engaging in prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

The archbishop stressed the need for a shift from empty religious rituals to genuine faith and moral integrity.

(NAN)