Catholic Priest Calls for Urgent Action on Insecurity in Nigeria
In a heartfelt appeal, Very Rev. Fr. Hyginus Nwanze, the Parish Priest of Our Lady Queen of Apostles Catholic Church in Ilupeju, Lagos, has expressed deep concern over the ongoing insecurity plaguing Nigeria. He highlighted that despite assurances from the nation's leaders, the challenges persist, leaving citizens in a state of worry and fear.
Fr. Nwanze emphasized the need for immediate and effective action, stating, "The problem still persists. So, they need to sit up. They need to make sure that lives and property are truly secured." He made these remarks during a Requiem Mass held in Lagos for the late Mrs. Elizabeth Modupe Mayaki, mother of Very Rev. Fr. Melvis Mayaki, the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church in Festac Town.
Leaders as Servants of God
Drawing from the life of Mrs. Mayaki, Fr. Nwanze urged Nigerian leaders to adopt a servant-hearted approach. "Our leaders should know that first and foremost, they are servants. They are doing the work for God; so they must do it as God wants them to," he said. He reminded them of the accountability they will face, encouraging them to serve authentically and dedicatedly to foster peace and security.
In his goodwill message, the Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, praised Mrs. Mayaki's godly life, describing her as calm, gentle, and wise. "This is the message she has left for us – that as we are going to where she has gone to, let us work like she did and it will be well with us in the end," he noted, inspiring attendees to emulate her virtues.
Community Support and Reflection
The event saw significant attendance, with Mr. Gabriel Amalu, vice chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council, honoring Mrs. Mayaki's legacy. "She was a mother to all of us. Out of her three sons, she gave two to the church as priests. What better gift can one give to God," he remarked, underscoring her selfless contributions.
Very Rev. Fr. Melvis Mayaki, moved by the turnout, reflected on faith and mortality. "We have gathered today to celebrate her life because we know her faith tells us that Jesus is the resurrection and the life," he said. He urged everyone to prepare for death by living according to their beliefs.
Rev. Fr. Hilary Ogunyemi, Associate Parish Priest of Holy Family Church, highlighted the community's support for Fr. Mayaki during his mourning. "As you can see we have a lot of crowd here today. He knows that he has family members who can always be there to support him," he noted, showcasing the solidarity within the church.
This gathering not only commemorated a beloved figure but also served as a platform to address critical national issues, reinforcing the call for leaders to prioritize security and service to the people.
