By Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh
The President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, has called on Nigerians to embrace hope, unity, and renewal as the nation celebrates Christmas amid economic hardship and insecurity. Delivering his Christmas message titled “God Is With Us: A Message of Hope for Nigerians at Christmas”, Archbishop Ugorji reminded the faithful that the birth of Christ signifies God’s presence in human suffering and a promise that evil does not have the final word.
The Archbishop emphasised that Christmas proclaims Emmanuel, “God with us”, who shares in human struggles. He said Nigeria’s current challenges, including insecurity, displacement, and economic hardship, must be approached in the light of God’s enduring presence. He expressed deep sorrow particularly over the abduction of students and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, and urged prayers and action for all victims of kidnappings and violence across the country.
While stressing that corruption, injustice, and violence in the country are not irreversible, the prelate urged all Nigerians to take shared responsibility in rebuilding fractured systems and restoring dignity. He saluted the resilience in Nigerians, whom he said, despite trials, continue to choose courage, honesty, and service over fear and corruption, proving that the moral heart of the nation remains alive.
The Archbishop said celebrating Christmas means seeing Nigeria not only as it is but as it is called to be; a nation of justice, reconciliation, and peace. He prayed that the light of Christmas would “heal our wounds, bring consolation in our trials, and open new horizons of peace in our dear nation.”
