The bishop made the call on Saturday in Lafia, Nasarawa State, in a homily during a mass to mark the 25th priestly anniversary of Rev. Fr. Gabriel Ngbea.

Mr Ngbea, who was ordained on August 15, 1998, is the priest in charge of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Ombi 1, Isa Mustapha Agwai 1 Polytechnic, Lafia, Nasarawa State.

He said that religious leaders must rise up to their responsibilities and avoid the lure of getting rich by all means.

According to him, such a quest for quick riches is responsible for most of the vices ravaging the country.

“The clergy are the conscience of society and must be role models that should live exemplary lives.

“The church should deliberately reorient the youths with a view to addressing the alarming rate of social vices and crimes in the country.

“A priest cannot be said to be successful because of material things, academic qualifications, stubbornness or arrogance. A successful priest should be dedicated, humble, live a life of service to God and humanity, and, above all, strive towards winning more souls for God,” he added.

In his remarks, Catholic Bishop of Lafia Diocese, David Ajang, congratulated the celebrant for joining the league of elders among priests in the Church.

Mr Ajang disclosed that only 17 priests had celebrated their silver jubilee out of the 105 in Lafia Diocese.

The bishop added that there were more responsibilities attached to being an elder among the priests in the church.

“You should be careful in what you do and say because younger priests are looking up to you as a role model. You must be a guide and assist others to avoid the same mistakes you made when you were a younger priest. The church must set a good example because role models that are disciplined, sincere, accountable and always stand by what is right are what are lacking in society today,” Mr Ajang added.

Responding, Ngbea expressed gratitude to God for guiding him in the calling to serve Him and humanity and also thanked his parents, siblings and many others playing roles in his life.

He promised to dedicate the rest of his life to winning souls for God and serving humanity.

The occasion attracted Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, represented by his deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, Fr Hyacinth Alia, Governor of Benue, and George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Also in attendance were former government officials from Nasarawa and Benue states, Catholic priests within and outside the country, as well as friends and family members of the celebrant.

(NAN).