“Self-esteem is a personal evaluation of self-worth; the foundation upon which self-formation exists. A healthy self-esteem is essential for personal growth.” These formed the bases of his message Sunday 22nd September 2024 while addressing the people of God. 

The Parish Priest, SS Peter & Paul Catholic Pro-Cathedral, Lagere, Ile-Ife; Very Rev. Fr. (Dr) Peter Oluseyi Adeyemi noted that, while self-esteem can both be positive and negative, it influences human behaviour, relationships and general well-being. 

According to him, whatever an individual does within the context of his or her knowledge and values determines the level of his/her self-esteem. Self-responsibility, Self-assertiveness, Self-discipline and Integrity were proffered by him as major requirements of healthy self-esteem. 

In his opinion, to be self-responsible is to work to achieve one’s goal in life while honouring one's value and seeking appropriate forms of expressing it in the society. He buttressed that the attribute does not equate aggressive or inappropriate behaviours, it rather upholds one's rights without being blind to that of others; an attitude of self-respect - not faking an identity in order to be liked. 

The cleric further emphasized that people with healthy esteem do not act as if they do not have right to the space which they occupy. While he affirmed that individuals with high self-esteem can be considered by others to be proud and arrogant, he noted that successful individuals in any human endeavour are at risk of being a target.

Having observed that people of low achievement often envy and resent those of high achievement, he added that the unhappy also resent happy people. 

Fr. Adeyemi educated that, it is Christian’s to be worthful and valued as individuals created in the image and likeness of God; hence, self-esteem based on psychological concept from a positive perspective is devoid of pride and arrogance.

The Priest however educated Catholics that self-esteem is an integral part of Catholic faith and spirituality since it is a divinely bestowed quality which enables Christians relate well with God and human beings. He noted that healthy self-esteem empowers human to face challenges, pursue passions and live a fulfilling life.