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Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Rev. Peter Odetoyinbo, has urged Nigerians to be hopeful and never give up in collectively reforming and rebuilding the country to be a better place.
He said this in his Christmas message made available to newsmen on Sunday in Abeokuta.
He said that Nigerians must remain hopeful, notwithstanding the present situation in the country.
“We must remain resolute and hopeful in the vision of a new Nigeria.
“We daily witness, with concerns, the exodus of Nigerians, particularly young people, to other nations, leading to brain drain and loss of capable hands that would have added value to our common efforts of rebuilding Nigeria.
“Such embers of desperation and hopelessness should not be allowed to flourish any longer.
“As people of hope, we believe that Nigeria will rise again and the glory of the Lord shall shine upon her; and many who have been displaced due to problems besieging this country will once more return to their homeland,” he said.
According to him, some of the developed nations to which some Nigerians have emigrated have had their dark moments in history.
“They went through their own storms, but kept hope alive. Where is the hope for our nation?
“We must remind one another that God loves us in Nigeria and learn to love one another.
“We cannot continue to appreciate other nations and work daily to destroy our own or engaging in acts that will bring collective shame to the name of our country and cause havoc to lives and property of fellow Nigerians.
“This will be inimical to our hope for a better Nigeria.”
The cleric noted that the present administration had presented to Nigerians its ‘Renewed Hope” mantra.
He, therefore, urged political leaders to walk the talk and match their utterances with actions and commitment to ending the economic hardship currently plaguing the country.
The cleric also advised citizens to instill the virtues of Christmas, which are love, joy, peace, unity and humility before God.
According to him, the season of Christmas affords Christians the opportunity to celebrate the love of God with one another as one family, united in a common vision for the common good.
“This love must be shared with our brothers and sisters, particularly those who find it difficult to celebrate due to the present economic hardship.
“The spirit of love that God has brought our way by the birth of Jesus Christ should spur us into sharing with one another the joy of Christmas.
“I exhort and enjoin all who have to share their gifts with the poor and the less-privileged around them,” he said.
