Palm Sunday: Nigerian leaders must positively influence society – Archbishop Kaigama

The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, His Grace Most. Revd. Ignatius Kaigama, has charged leaders at both the Federal and State levels to set good examples for people in the country.

Kaigama made this call on Sunday during the Palm Sunday homily at St Michael’s Parish, Piwoyi, Abuja.

Alluding to Jesus’ triumphal entering into Jerusalem riding on a donkey which, according to him, is a symbol of peace and humility, the Catholic cleric, said: “By this, Jesus is teaching leaders to live simply, and to give up a lot of their excesses for the good of their people.

“The poor and needy, largely the victims of bad and corrupt governance are often made to suffer and sacrifice for the comfort of their leaders. They are victims of social, economic, political exploitation and manipulation, whereas the corrupt leaders seek their personal interests instead of what brings progress, national growth and sustainable development.

“Leaders must show their followers, especially the youths, the example that wishing and dreaming big alone are not enough to make them who they want to become; they can only achieve this through hard work and honesty.”

The Archbishop also noted that suffering was part of the daily experience of Nigerians, but urged the people not to lose faith in God.

He added, “Sometimes in the midst of what we suffer, we tend to think that God has forsaken us. God does not neglect us.

“The innocent women, children and all the vulnerable people, the victims of kidnapping, banditry, and Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria are crying and asking: ‘My God, My God, why have you forsaken us?’ It is the same cry in the hearts of many Nigerian youths and students, forced to stay home due to no fault of theirs.

“However, despite the pains and fears, we are hopeful of triumph someday, somehow, by God’s grace. Let us open our hearts to receive Christ as our King, the only true answer to our quest for happiness and meaning.” Vanguard