— Commissions New Catechists into Lagos Archdiocesan Guild
By Sunday Ehigiator
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 and the welfare of citizens over constant politicking and party realignments.
Martins made the call during the commissioning of new catechists into the Lagos Archdiocesan Guild of Catechists (LAGC) at the 2025 Catechist Day/Jubilee Year of Hope celebration held at St. Dominic Catholic Church, Yaba, Lagos.
The Archbishop lamented that many politicians have become too engrossed in political manoeuvring, at the expense of delivering meaningful governance that improves the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
He noted that continuous political realignments and decamping among politicians have created instability, which ultimately undermines governance and public confidence in leadership.
“Politicians are aligning and realigning, decamping and recamping, and all of that,” he said. “It’s really putting governance in a bad state in the whole scheme of things.”
Martins reminded political leaders that they were elected primarily to ensure the welfare of the people, foster economic growth, and build a social environment that enhances the well-being of Nigerians.
“Our appeal is that politicians should recognise that they were voted first of all to ensure that life is better for the people,” he said. “You are voted to ensure that the economy and the social environment are good for the well-being of the people.”
He urged leaders to balance their political ambitions with the responsibility of service, stressing that governance should never take the back seat to campaign activities.
“We should not tell them not to campaign,” he continued, “but let them at least ensure that they do their primary duty of creating an enabling environment for the welfare of Nigerians.”
Turning to the event, Archbishop Martins commended the newly commissioned catechists for embracing the sacred calling of teaching and spreading the faith.
The celebration, themed ‘Do Not Lose Heart; Awakening Pilgrims of Hope’, was attended by clergy, lay faithful, and families of the new catechists, who gathered to witness the solemn commissioning.
In his exhortation, Martins reminded the catechists that their role goes beyond teaching doctrines—it involves inspiring faith, gratitude, and hope among the people.
“We must not forget to begin with thanksgiving to God for the opportunity of hearing the Word of God, and also of receiving the body and blood of Jesus,” he said.
He encouraged them to continually express gratitude to God, especially as they dedicate themselves to the spiritual growth of the church community.
“Thank you to God for calling them to this important vocation in our church, a vocation of teachers of the faith,” he added. “Some have gone through a process of formation and education. They have more knowledge than they had before they started.”
Martins also congratulated the graduating catechists and those renewing their pledges, urging them to be steadfast in their mission of guiding others towards the knowledge of God and the teachings of the Church.
“You are called to lead people to knowledge of God and the teachings of the Church, so that people can, in turn, have faith in God and the teachings of the Church,” he said. “You, catechists, give them knowledge. The Holy Spirit now takes control and inspires faith in those who have been taught.”
The ceremony ended with a special thanksgiving, marking both a spiritual renewal and a reaffirmation of the Church’s mission to raise disciples rooted in faith, service, and hope.