The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, Lucius Ugorji, has expressed concern that Nigerians have abandoned the national motto of peace, unity, and progress, allowing themselves to be consumed by hatred. He made this statement during a Thanksgiving Mass at the Assumpta Cathedral in Owerri, marking Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary. Archbishop Ugorji, the immediate past President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), reflected on the country's journey since gaining independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960.
Archbishop Ugorji acknowledged the struggles of Nigeria's founding fathers, including Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Sir Ahmadu Bello, and prayed that their efforts for peace would not be in vain. He noted that despite 66 years of independence, Nigeria has made progress in various sectors, including education, with over 23,000 schools now, up from 127 in 1960. The country has also enjoyed decades of uninterrupted constitutional democracy since 1999 and has made micro-economic reforms.
However, Archbishop Ugorji identified several challenges facing the country, including a lack of transparency, accountability, and long-term institutional planning in successive administrations. He also highlighted Nigeria's over-reliance on crude oil, sluggish industrialization, and high unemployment rates. The archbishop pointed out that persistent insecurity, including insurgency, banditry, and terrorism, continues to disrupt the local economy and strain national cohesion.
Archbishop Ugorji also criticized the weak security architecture, which allows foreign nationals to loot the country's resources in collusion with corrupt public officials. He noted that chronic inadequate power generation has hindered economic productivity and lowered the quality of life for the average citizen. Despite these challenges, the archbishop expressed gratitude for God's special grace, which has allowed Nigeria to endure through dictatorship, economic recession, and unrest.
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who also spoke at the Mass, attributed Nigeria's continued existence as one country after 66 years to the sacrifices of generations of Nigerians. He acknowledged that Nigerians are going through difficult times, particularly with recent economic adjustments, but stressed that leadership begins at home and in communities, not just in government.
Governor Uzodimma emphasized the importance of individual responsibility in shaping the country's future, urging citizens to lead by example in their families, schools, and communities. He encouraged people to do what is right, even when nobody is watching, and to promote honesty and integrity in all aspects of life.
Archbishop Ugorji and Governor Uzodimma both called for Nigerians to reflect on their actions and work towards rebuilding the nation. Archbishop Ugorji prayed that God surrounds leaders with good counsellors to fight insecurity and urged citizens to join hands to ensure free and fair elections as 2027 approaches.
Key points
- Archbishop Lucius Ugorji criticizes Nigerians for abandoning national motto of peace, unity, and progress.
- Nigeria has made progress in education and democracy but faces challenges in transparency, accountability, and security.
- Leaders and citizens are urged to promote honesty, integrity, and individual responsibility to rebuild the nation.
