The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has emphasized the importance of prompt benefits for the bereaved and improved welfare for veterans to inspire active personnel to serve selflessly.
Kaigama during his sermon at Nigeria’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day programme for Inter-Denominational Church Service on Sunday January 12 2025, in Abuja, honoured fallen heroes and urged for collective support for their families.
The Cleric called on political authorities to uphold justice and human rights while ensuring a secure and dignified future for all Nigerians.
“Today, we must never forget those who died gallantly in active service and the families they left behind. We doff our hats to veterans still alive. A good tribute will be to help their families by donating to them either personally or collectively.
“The political authorities must ensure the prompt payment of benefits to families of fallen heroes and pay close attention to the welfare of the veterans still alive.
“This will motivate others who are serving presently in the armed forces to give their all by serving selflessly,” he said.
Addressing Nigeria’s insecurity, Kaigama expressed optimism for national recovery but criticized the current peace of the graveyard.
“Increased insecurity has continued to haunt our nation. All hope is not lost. However, we are still optimistic that Nigeria can come back from the brink.
“We continue to insist that the government has a constitutional and statutory duty to protect human rights and secure basic justice for all.
“The role of government is to guarantee the minimum conditions that make human rights and justice possible.
“We thank God for the measure of peace we presently enjoy in this country, but our situation seems to be the peace of “the graveyard,’ he added.
He called for collaboration among security forces and equitable resource distribution to bridge societal divides.
He highlighted the widening gap between the rich and poor as a breeding ground for resentment and violence.
Archbishop Kaigama also highlighted the need for compassionate leadership and renewed patriotism to rebuild Nigeria’s unity and prosperity.
He also condemned ethnic and religious discrimination, urging Nigerians to respect one another’s rights and freedoms.
He called for unity, justice, and mutual respect as essential steps toward peace, stressing that societal harmony begins with recognising shared humanity.
“There is a message of hope from our President, Bola Tinubu, in his New Year broadcast, he said among other things, “To all citizens, your sacrifices have not been in vain.
“Together, let us stay the course of nation-building. The New Year will bring us closer to the bright future we all desire and the Nigeria of our dreams, Kaigama quoting President Tinubu.
He concluded his sermon with a prayer for national progress in 2025.
(NA)
