The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Reverend Dr. Ignatius Kaigama, has urged Nigerians to reject vengeance and embrace forgiveness, peace and reconciliation as indispensable pillars for national development.
He gave the advice on Sunday at the 2026 National Feast Celebration of the Pious Union of Saint Rita of Cascia in Abuja with the theme: ‘Cultivating Peace, Faith and Hope: Emulating Saint Rita’s Virtues.’
Represented by the National Chaplain of the Pious Union, Rev. Fr. Richard Igyor, Archbishop Kaigama said the virtues of forgiveness, perseverance and peace were needed as Nigeria grappled with escalating insecurity, political tension and social polarisation.
He cautioned against transactional faith, urging citizens to focus on spiritual transformation over routine favour-seeking.
‘Nigerians should move beyond seeking miracles and instead build a genuine relationship with God that will reflect in their conduct towards others,’ Fr. Igyor said on behalf of the Archbishop.
He added: ‘True devotion to a saint should be demonstrated by emulating the virtues of the saint, rather than merely seeking favours through prayers.’
He said true national progress relied on citizens permitting the values of peace and reconciliation to guide their conduct across homes, workplaces, communities and leadership positions.
Concurring with the Archbishop, the Abuja Archdiocese National Grand Patron of the Union and former Auditor-General of the Federation, Dr. Ukura Samuel, challenged Nigerian political leaders to adopt selfless service and forgiveness to defuse escalating electoral hostilities.
‘If the politicians imitate the life of Saint Rita, you will see Nigeria will be a better place to live,’ Samuel said, stressing that leaders who valued fairness would refrain from victimising political opponents and subordinates as another election cycle drew near.
Reinforcing the message of national harmony, the Abuja Archdiocesan Coordinator, Bro. Celestine Makwe, warned against allowing personal and political animosities to fracture the country.
‘We must strive to build a nation where peaceful coexistence and forgiveness thrive,’ Makwe said. ‘We should not allow a spirit of vengeance, enmity, or animosity to exist among us because these attitudes can only divide the country and hinder development.’
Focusing on the domestic front, the Prior General of the Pious Union in Nigeria, Mrs. Cecilia Oyakhire, identified women as essential drivers of peace and nation-building.
‘Women are nation builders. Women are supposed to have a soft heart, to always make peace, show love and care,’ Oyakhire said, advising mothers to raise children equipped with high moral standards and a commitment to peaceful coexistence.
She said the Union has continued to uphold Saint Rita’s spirit through charitable outreach, including paying medical bills for vulnerable patients during hospital visits.
The event, organised by a committee led by Lady Idowu Jokpeyibo at Cor Mariae College, attracted over 1,000 Catholic faithful nationwide for prayers, reflections and community welfare initiatives.