10 important things Dame Adaora Umeoji told Catholic Bishops in Nigeria
By Padre Mike Nsikak Umoh
Preamble:
Dame (Dr) Adaora Umeoji, KSS, OON, the Deputy Managing Director of Zenith Bank Plc, had the singular honour of addressing her spiritual fathers, all the Catholic Bishops in Nigeria, as the Chairperson at the opening ceremony of the recently concluded plenary meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in Abuja. Like the proverbial climber of the iroko tree, this worthy daughter of the Catholic Church ensured she maximized the opportunity by gathering enough firewood from the exploit. While remaining very respectful, Dame Adaora touched on several issues that were directly and indirectly related to the Catholic Bishops, the Church and Nigerian society. This effort is a highlight of 10 salient points she raised, so that we do not lose sight of them, and as a call for action.
Ten Central Points
- World economy generally poor at the moment
With over 8.5% of the world population living in poverty, there seem to be a looming economic and humanitarian crisis, while hope seems to be dwindling.
- High poverty rate in Nigeria
63% of Nigerians living in poverty portends great danger for the country, leading to many social ills including youth restiveness, insecurity, social unrest and violence. The Church must seek ways to collaborate with governments to reverse this dangerous trend.
- Nigeria blessed with high percentage of youths
68% of Nigerian population are below 35 years. This is an asset if well managed, but a recipe for disaster if ignored.
- Make Pope’s desire for the world come through in Nigeria
In Lisbon, the Pope expressed his dream: “It is a dream of peace, the dream of young people praying for peace, living in peace and building a peaceful future”. There is the need to translate this dream into a reality for the youths in Nigeria.
- Stop politicising and tribalising national issues
Politicising and tribalising issues of social concern by the government only ends up promoting division rather than uniting the people. It ends up escalating the problem instead of providing real solutions.
- CBCN messages/voice, trustworthy and reliable
Dame Adaora stated that Nigerians hold the Catholic bishops in high esteem, thus while those who like them always look forward to listening to them, those who do not cannot afford to ignore them. This is because their operating currency is truth, they are a moral compass of the nation, detribalized, apolitical, unbiased. However, they need to collaborate with government to provide solutions to Nigeria’s several ailing problems
- Need to care for the welfare and well-being of female religious
There is an urgent need to pay special attention to the welfare and well-being of female religious (The Rev. Srs.). They should be strategically empowered.
- Plan for the sick and the retired aged priests
As the Church in Nigeria grows, so too is the number of old, retired and sick priests increasing. Dame Adaora called on the bishops to be proactive by beginning to put the necessary structures in place to manage the situation.
- Need to institutionalise Catholic Bankers Association
Having founded the Catholic Bankers’ Association of Nigeria (CBAN) to help Catholics in Bank and financial institutions to promote ethical banking, Dame appealed to all Bishops for support by institutionalising the association in their dioceses.
- Commended Archbishop Kaigama for his passion in promoting rural apostolate
While thanking all the bishops working in Abuja, Dame Adaora especially commended Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama for his dedication in promoting rural apostolate, and for the hope he reenkindles among rural dwellers in Abuja Archdiocese.