From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
Rev. Fr. Joshua Achir, a Catholic priest, has called on government officials, political leaders, and all Nigerians to rediscover sincerity, love, and compassion as essential values needed to tackle the country’s ongoing issues of insecurity, displacement, and social tensions.
Speaking at the Carols of Nine Lessons organized by St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Trikania, Kaduna, Fr. Achir emphasized that the essence of Christmas extends far beyond mere festivities.
He highlighted that the season is a time for deep reflection on honesty, truthfulness, and shared humanity, as exemplified by the birth of Jesus Christ.
The parish priest expressed concern over what he perceives as a significant lack of sincerity in governance and public life, explaining that this deficiency has contributed to the conflicts and humanitarian crises plaguing the nation.
He noted that many of Nigeria’s challenges could have been alleviated if leaders and citizens had acted genuinely in the collective interest of one another.
Fr. Achir stressed the importance of recognizing common humanity before identifying along religious or ethnic lines, asserting that lasting peace will remain out of reach until people learn to see one another primarily as human beings.
He also called for deliberate efforts to educate young people about shared values, urging citizens to cultivate love and compassion both within their immediate communities and beyond.
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