The Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province have raised an alarm over the state of Nigeria, stating that the country is in desperate need of restoration.

In a seven-point communique issued at the end of their meeting, the bishops addressed issues of national and church interest. The communique was signed and issued by the Chairman of the Province, Most Rev ‘Leke Gabriel Abegunrin, and Secretary, Most Rev John Akin Oyejola, at the end of the meeting, held at the Jubilee Conference Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State, from February 5 to 6, this year.

The bishops expressed their gratitude to God for granting Nigeria another year but emphasised that the ship of the nation is foundering. They cited pervasive insecurity, economic hardship, cybercrime, corruption, and lackadaisical governance as some of the challenges facing the country.

The bishops also condemned the recent spate of criminal activities in the South West region, including the kidnapping and killing of two monarchs and the abduction of teachers and school children. They described the acts as a brutal assault on the traditional institution and a sign of the country’s descent into chaos.

Calling for urgent action, the bishops pleaded with all leaders to save Nigeria from sinking. They emphasised the need for repositioning the security agencies to be more pre-emptive and proactive in preventing violence and bloodshed.

The bishops also criticised the leaders who appear complacent and make excuses instead of addressing the problems plaguing the nation. They called for transparency, accountability, and a change of heart from those in positions of authority.

The bishops also highlighted the importance of promoting productivity and providing essential infrastructure to limit the exodus of the country’s best brains and to stimulate economic growth. They commended leaders who are making efforts to effect positive changes in their capacities.

In light of the increasing suicides, murders, and challenges faced by marriages and families, the bishops stressed the sanctity and dignity of human life. They called on authorities and religious organisations to promote Christian marriage and family values.

To equip families in the face of the current onslaught against the institution of marriage, the bishops recommended the purchase and study of a two-volume catechetical summary on human life, marriage, and family. They emphasised the importance of catechesis in forming and informing the faithful.

The bishops congratulated and welcomed Most Reverend Anselm Pendo Lawani, the newly ordained and installed Bishop of the Diocese of Ilorin, and prayed for his success in shepherding the flock of God.

Our leaders, who talk and behave as if all is well to have a change of heart. There is cause for alarm when corruption runs riot in every sector with scant effort from government to arrest and prosecute its perpetrators. Things are not under control when continuously, Nigerians get maimed, kidnapped and killed daily on our roads and even in their homes. There is need to restructure our security apparatus and remove saboteurs where necessary so that they can collaborate and perform optimally.

“Disaster is imminent when people die of hunger and the living have to steal or scrounge for food in order to survive. Elected officers are elected not to make excuses about problems but to change things for better. Away with insensitive aides who furnish the public with lies and innuendoes in order mitigate government failure in the face of the recurring disasters. Nigerians deserve to know the truth about their leaders’ programmes, activities and whereabouts.

“Any country run on corruption and falsehood will crumble under the weight of self-inflicted evil. Time for positive change is running out.” (Daily Sun)

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