By peace Udugba
The Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, has called on Nigerian leaders to prioritise effective governance over endless politicking, urging them to deliver tangible results that improve citizens’ lives.
He made the call during the commissioning of new catechists from various Catholic parishes into the Lagos Archdiocesan Guild of Catechists (LAGC), held at St. Dominic Catholic Church, Yaba, Lagos, as part of the 2025 Catechist Day and Jubilee Year of Hope Celebration.
The Archbishop noted that many politicians remain distracted by political alignments and defections instead of focusing on the people’s welfare.
“Politicians are aligning and realigning, decamping and recamping. It’s really putting governance in a bad state,” he said.
He stressed, “Our appeal is that politicians should recognise that they were voted, first of all, to ensure that life is better for the people — to ensure that the economy and the social environment are conducive to the well-being of all.
Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, has reiterated that while it is not wrong for politicians to campaign, they must not abandon their primary duty of governance.
“Therefore, we should not tell them not to campaign, but let them at least ensure that they do their primary duty of creating an enabling environment for the welfare of Nigerians,” he stated during the 2025 Catechist Day/Jubilee Year of Hope Celebration at St. Dominic Catholic Church, Yaba.
At the event, where new catechists were commissioned into the Lagos Archdiocesan Guild of Catechists (LAGC), Archbishop Martins also charged the catechists to lead the faithful into a deeper knowledge of God and the teachings of the Church.
In his message, themed *‘Do Not Lose Heart; Awakening Pilgrims of Hope’*, he said:
“You are called to lead people to knowledge of God and the teachings of the Church, so that they, in turn, can grow in faith.”
He urged catechists to always begin with thanksgiving:
“It is important to say, ‘Thank you, Jesus’ — for the Word of God, and for receiving the body and blood of Christ.”
He praised their commitment, noting that many had undergone rigorous formation and now graduate with renewed zeal, while others renewed their pledge to continue in this vital ministry.
