Nigeria’s political leadership must move beyond incremental responses and confront the nation’s deepening security and economic crises with urgency and clarity, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Adewale Martins, said on Thursday. Delivering a pointed message at the annual Chrism Mass held at the Holy Cross Cathedral Lagos, Martins acknowledged government efforts but stressed that the scale and persistence of hardship across the country demand faster, more decisive intervention to restore public confidence and stability.
The Chrism Mass, a cornerstone of the Catholic liturgical calendar, brought together hundreds of priests and worshippers in a solemn yet reflective gathering marking the institution of the priesthood and the Eucharist. Central to the ceremony was the blessing of sacred oils and the renewal of priestly vows—rituals that underscore service, sacrifice and spiritual accountability. Martins used the occasion to draw a parallel between national leadership and spiritual stewardship, urging those in authority to prioritise the protection of lives and the alleviation of economic distress. He further warned clergy against the subtle distractions of digital culture, cautioning that while social media offers a platform for evangelisation, it must not erode discipline or shift focus from the Church’s core mission.
In a complementary homily, Rev. Fr. Paul Akin-Otiko called for renewed spiritual depth among clergy, emphasising that the consecrated oils symbolise divine healing and service rather than ritual formality. He urged priests to remain selfless and resist any temptation to commercialise their calling, stressing that their duty lies in the care of souls and the moral guidance of society. The ceremony also featured tributes led by Monsignor John Aniagwu in honour of Anthony Olubunmi Okogie, whose legacy of leadership continues to shape the Lagos Archdiocese. As hymns of thanksgiving closed the service, the message resonated beyond the cathedral walls: in both governance and faith, integrity, responsibility and urgency remain indispensable.
