As Nigeria marks its 64th Independence Day, Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, made a passionate appeal to the Nation’s political leaders to prioritize alleviating the suffering of citizens. 

He emphasized the need for leaders to recognize the unprecedented economic hardship Nigerians are facing and work towards providing a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and securing lives and properties.

“At 64, many parts of the country are still under constant attacks by bandits and kidnappers while corrupt activities have continued unabated. These are very much unacceptable as they negate the very noble principles upon which our country was founded.

We are therefore calling on our political leaders to rise up to the challenges of building a strong and virile nation free from corruption, nepotism, ethnicity, and favoritism – a truly progressive country that we all can be proud of.”

In a release signed by the Director of Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, the Archbishop, lamented that successive governments have failed to lead the nation towards steady and sustainable development, resulting in widespread insecurity, corruption, and economic hardship.

The Metropolitan of Lagos Province, further wished Nigerians a happy 64th independence celebration, encouraging citizens to remain prayerful, law-abiding, and committed to transforming the country’s socio-economic and political landscape. “Let us work together to build a strong and virile nation, free from corruption, nepotism, ethnicity, and favoritism,” he said.