Archbishop Martins Urges Nigerians to Confront Violence with Courage, Embrace Love at Christmas

Archbishop Martins Urges Nigerians to Confront Violence with Courage, Embrace Love at Christmas

The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, has called on Nigerians not to lose hope in the face of rising insecurity, urging citizens to confront violence with courage and embrace love, empathy, and unity during the Christmas season.

In his 2025 Christmas message, Archbishop Martins said Nigerians should give thanks to God for the gift of Christmas despite the numerous challenges confronting individuals and the nation. He noted that the country is currently grappling with widespread criminal violence, fear, and a growing sense of despair among many citizens.

The Archbishop stressed that true and enduring hope can only be found in God, “in whom hope does not disappoint,” while also insisting that leaders at all levels of government must take deliberate and courageous steps to restore confidence among the people.

“As we hope in God, we must also insist that everyone, especially those in government and all politicians, should work intentionally to generate hope in our people—not through empty platitudes, but through courageous and meaningful actions to stem the tide of fear and criminality in the land,” he said.

In the message, signed by the Director of Social Communications of the Archdiocese, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, Archbishop Martins lamented that the government has fallen short in providing citizens with the most basic assurance of a secure and dignified future.

“While we are not oblivious of the efforts being made by the government, we must admit that the present reality of insecurity and pervasive fear has made it almost impossible for the average Nigerian to thrive or even dream with confidence,” he stated.

He called on national leaders to urgently end kidnappings and killings, stressing that Nigerians need decisive action rather than promises. According to him, securing farms, roads, schools, and places of worship remains a fundamental responsibility of the state.

“The primary duty of the state is to protect the lives and property of its citizens,” the Archbishop emphasized.

Despite the grim security situation, Archbishop Martins urged Nigerians not to succumb to despair, reminding them of the deeper meaning of Christmas.

“The coming of Christ at Christmas is God’s definitive entry into a world of struggle and a powerful intervention in human history,” he said, adding that the season calls on Nigerians to embody Christ’s presence through love, kindness, empathy, and solidarity, especially towards the most vulnerable.

He noted that the true essence of Christmas lies in selflessness that seeks justice, humility that serves the broken, and love that breaks down barriers of division.

The Archbishop concluded with a message of national renewal, expressing optimism that Nigeria’s long-desired transformation is achievable if citizens uphold God’s commandments, love one another, and respect the rule of law.

“We must learn to live at peace with one another, irrespective of religion, tribe, or political affiliation,” he said.

Calling for a renewed commitment to unity, he urged Nigerians to make Christmas a turning point for the nation. “Let us put aside hatred, embrace our shared humanity, and work tirelessly to build a Nigeria where every person can live with dignity, free from fear and oppression. Let us build bridges, not walls,” Archbishop Martins said.

He added that the light of Christ, reflected in the hearts and actions of Nigerians, remains the sure foundation for a brighter and more peaceful future.