Cardinal Okogie at 90: Lagos Archbishop Demands Renewed Fight Against Insecurity
By Admin, Lagos
The Archbishop of the Metropolitan see of Lagos, His Grace, Most Reverend Alfred Adewale Martins, has called on government authorities at all levels to intensify efforts to end insecurity across Nigeria.
According to the Archbishop, lasting peace would be the most meaningful gift to Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie as he celebrates his 90th birthday.
Archbishop Martins made the call during a thanksgiving Mass held in Lagos to commemorate Cardinal Okogie’s 90th birthday, 60 years of priestly ordination, and 55 years of episcopal ministry.
The celebration brought together Catholic faithful, religious leaders, government officials and other dignitaries who gathered to honour the former Archbishop of Lagos for his decades of service to the Church and the nation.
Speaking during the thanksgiving Mass, Archbishop Martins expressed concern over the persistent security challenges facing the country, noting that many Nigerians continue to live in fear despite government assurances of progress in the fight against criminality.
“One great gift that can be given to Cardinal Okogie is for those entrusted with leadership at all levels to redouble their efforts in addressing insecurity, so that Nigerians can live in peace, sleep with both eyes closed and move freely without fear,” Martins said.
He described insecurity as one of the greatest challenges confronting the nation, lamenting the continued incidents of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and violent attacks in several parts of the country.
“Every day we wake up to reports of Boko Haram attacks, banditry and other criminal activities. These are developments that break the hearts of Nigerians and raise serious concerns about our collective future,” he stated.
The Archbishop noted that the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has consistently engaged government officials on the issue, offering recommendations aimed at restoring peace and stability across the country.
While acknowledging efforts by security agencies, he stressed that more needed to be done to protect citizens and secure vulnerable communities.
“We continue to hear reports of kidnappings, attacks on communities, the displacement of innocent citizens and even assaults on security personnel. These realities show that greater commitment is still required to overcome the challenges before us,” he added.
Martins urged the Government to provide improved support, equipment and welfare for members of the armed forces and other security agencies, describing them as critical partners in the fight against insecurity.
He also called on Nigerians to sustain prayers for the country’s leaders and security personnel.
“We must continue to pray for those who carry the responsibility of securing lives and property. Prayer remains a powerful force that can bring about positive change in our nation,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State Chapter, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, and renowned political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, urged Nigerians not to lose hope but to continue praying and working for national unity, peace and development.
Tributes also poured in for Cardinal Okogie from within and outside Nigeria.
A goodwill message from Pope Leo XIV was delivered by the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty.
Other dignitaries who paid glowing tributes included the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso; former President of the CBCN, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze; and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential Catholic leaders, Cardinal Okogie has earned national recognition for his unwavering advocacy for justice, good governance, human rights and the growth of the Catholic Church over several decades.