Archbishop Martins Urges Hope Amid Hardship, Insecurity
By Admin, Lagos
03-04-2026
The Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, His Grace, Most Reverend Alfred Adewale Martins, has called on Nigerians not to lose hope despite prevailing economic challenges and insecurity in the country.
Speaking at the 2026 Chrism Mass held in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, Archbishop Martins acknowledged the difficult realities facing citizens but emphasized that the Easter season remains a powerful reminder of hope and renewal through the resurrection of Christ.
According to him, Easter is a time when God calls on His people never to lose hope.
“There may be challenges, but the resurrection of Christ should bring hope to you. Whatever is dead in our lives will be brought back to life by God,” he said.
The Archbishop also urged the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to safeguard lives and property, noting that while some progress has been made, more needs to be done to address persistent security threats.
He cited recent incidents of violence, including killings in Jos during Palm Sunday, as evidence that current interventions have yet to yield the desired results.
“ People are still being killed in several parts of the country. The interventions being deployed have not produced the required results. There is a need for renewed commitment and collaboration to restore hope among Nigerians,” he reiterated.
Archbishop Martins further encouraged priests and Christians to take advantage of the digital age by embracing online evangelism as a means of spreading the Gospel and reaching more people.
In his homily, Paul Akin-Otiko of St. Thomas More Chaplaincy, University of Lagos, highlighted the significance of the Chrism Mass, particularly as a time to pray for priests and the Archbishop.
He reminded priests of their sacred duty to serve selflessly, without seeking personal gain, and to make Christ present to the people entrusted to their care so that those who have strayed may find their way back.
He urged the faithful to support their priests by strengthening their faith in their teachings and upholding the Church’s tradition of praying for them.
He outlined key areas of prayer for priests: belief in the anointing and power of the holy oils, commitment to preaching the Good News without expectation of reward, and fruitfulness in their pastoral mission.
He also encouraged the Church to pray for itself, drawing from Isaiah 61, and to seek spiritual fulfillment, expressing hope that 2026 would indeed be “the acceptable year of the Lord.”
The Chrism Mass provided an opportunity for Christian faithful, religious leaders, and particularly priests to renew their vows, promises, and commitment to service.
It also featured the blessing and consecration of sacred oils used for baptism, anointing, confirmation, and dedications.
Hundreds of priests renewed their vows at the ceremony.