Nigeria will rise again in our lifetimes, says Catholic bishop

Peter Odetoyinbo, Catholic bishop of Abeokuta diocese, says the yuletide presents an opportunity for Nigerians to renew their commitment to unity amid the pervasive economic challenges. 

In his Christmas message on Tuesday titled ‘Renewed Hope for Nigeria’, Odetoyinbo spoke on the significance of the season, declaring that Nigeria will rise from the ashes “in our time”. 

The clergy said Christmas is not just about having fun but about reaffirming faith in God’s presence and promises.

“Christ brought hope to the hopeless, pardon to the guilty, and peace to those who knew no peace,” Odetoyinbo said.

“This season calls us to anchor our souls in God’s unwavering faithfulness and look forward with confident expectation.”

He called for a change of attitude from pessimism to a renewed trust in God’s plans for peace, prosperity, and justice. 

Odetoyinbo said government and the people should work together in order to improve the standard of living in the country.

He asked relevant institutions to prioritise youth empowerment and enhance government interventions in sectors like food security, education, healthcare, and housing.

He also identified reinforcement of social programmes, fixing of local refineries, and stabilising the national power grid to improve living conditions as part of solutions to the current problems.

“Christmas is a time to renew our hope, not in political promises but in Jesus Christ,” he added.

“With collective effort and divine guidance, Nigeria will rise again, and it will happen in our time.

“We wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year filled with renewed hope and divine blessings. God bless Nigeria.”