BY NONYE EKWENUGO
Kaduna
Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Joshua Achir, has urged government officials, political leaders and Nigerians to rediscover sincerity, love and compassion as core values needed to confront the country’s lingering insecurity, displacement and social tensions.
Fr. Achir, who spoke at the Carols of Nine Lessons organised by St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Trikania, Kaduna, said the essence of Christmas goes far beyond festivities, stressing that the season calls for deep reflection on honesty, truthfulness and shared humanity as exemplified by the birth of Jesus Christ.
The cleric, who is also the parish priest of the church, lamented what he described as a glaring lack of sincerity in governance and public life, noting that this deficit has continued to fuel conflicts and humanitarian crises across the country.
According to him, many of Nigeria’s challenges would have been mitigated if leaders and citizens genuinely acted in the collective interest of one another.
He stressed that Nigerians must first recognise their common humanity before identifying along religious or ethnic lines, adding that peace would remain elusive until people learn to see one another primarily as human beings.
Fr. Achir also called for deliberate efforts to educate young people on shared values, urging citizens to cultivate love and compassion both within and beyond their immediate communities.
Turning to the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs), the priest appealed to Nigerians to remember the vulnerable during the Christmas season, describing wealth and possessions as trusts that come with responsibility.
He urged individuals and organisations to support those facing hardship, especially those spending the festive period in displacement camps, reminding them that Christmas should inspire hope, kindness and practical acts of love.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Christmas Carol Planning Committee, Pwajok Dung, described Christmas as a season of unity and joy, noting that lasting peace must begin from the smallest units of society.
He explained that harmony within families and local communities forms the foundation for unity at the state and national levels, urging Nigerians to strengthen bonds of love and togetherness during the season.
Similarly, the President of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), Makera Deanery, Mrs. Nneka Patrick, said Christmas symbolises joy and compassion, calling on women and families to extend care and support to the less privileged.
She urged Nigerians to reflect the true spirit of the season through acts of kindness, reconciliation and solidarity with the vulnerable.
