In Separate Interviews, Catholic Bishops in Nigeria Highlight National, Local Challenges, Share Signs of Hope, Solutions

As a way forward, Bishop Egbebo said, “we are exploring opportunities in solar energy, even though it is expensive. But that’s the direction we are moving in because we have to take matters into our own hands.”

In the March 14 interview, the Nigerian Catholic Bishop also faulted “prosperity gospel” that he said is contributing to the rise of vices among youths, including ritual killings and pagan practices, in their quest for quick wealth.

“This prosperity gospel has never helped anybody. There is a lot of unchristian teaching in that kind of preaching. Many have tested it and realized that simply invoking the name of Jesus does not magically produce wealth,” he said.

To counter this, the Nigerian Catholic Bishop underscored the need for proper catechesis, arguing that many Catholics lack a deep understanding of their faith. 

“Most Catholics don’t even know their faith well enough. If they did, they would understand that faith is not about instant riches but about a relationship with God that empowers one to work hard and achieve lasting peace,” he said.

In his Episcopal See, Bishop Egbebo shared, he has directed that catechesis be integrated in “specific” Sunday homilies.

“We are now building catechesis into our Sunday sermons. I have identified specific Sundays for this, where we combine preaching with catechesis so that people can know their faith more deeply,” he said, and explained, “If people understand their faith better, they will realize that true success comes from hard work, perseverance, and God’s grace, not from shortcuts or rituals,” he said

The 69-year-old Nigerian member of the Missionary Society of Saint Paul (MSPN) in Nigeria urged young people to learn from more developed nations, where hard work is prioritized over religious rituals.

“Look at the people we run to overseas. They don’t pray as much as we do, yet they work hard to make things happen. That’s what we should be doing here,” he said.

The Nigerian Catholic Church leader encouraged young people in the country to take up agriculture instead of relying on illegal activities such as crude oil theft. 

“The government has taken drastic measures to stop illegal oil refining. This is the way out. It is a win-win situation; it won’t pollute our environment, and it will contribute positively to life,” Bishop Egbebo told ACI Africa during the March 14 interview.

Reflecting on the ongoing Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year, Bishop Egbebo said, “The Year of Hope allows us to help people know that, despite all difficulties, God is still in charge.”

In another interview, Bishop Isaac Bundepuun Dugu of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina-Ala in Nigeria said he is concerned about the rise in incursions by herders into agrarian communities. 

In the March 14 interview, Bishop Dugu called on the Benue state Government to, as a matter of urgency, consider enforcing the Anti-Open Grazing law passed by the previous government of the state to protect farmers from continued attacks by herders.

“My people are predominantly farmers. That is our means of livelihood. However, we are anxious because herders are openly declaring their intention not just to graze but to settle. Their goal is to displace local inhabitants, which is dangerous,” Bishop Dugu told ACI Africa.

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He added, “A few years ago, during the previous administration, the Benue State Assembly passed the Anti-Open Grazing law which was a welcome development. We hoped it would help address the recurring violence caused by herders who invade communities, kill residents, and destroy farmlands.”

“The law was enacted to prevent these attacks, ensure peace, and allow farmers to work without fear,” Bishop Dugu recalled.

He warned that if farmers cannot cultivate their crops due to insecurity, the consequences could be severe. 

“Because of the enormous food that is produced in Sankara, which is also a part of my Diocese, if the farmers are not able to go to farm, it means that the whole of Nigeria is going to starve and cause food insecurity because of the inability to go to farms and this is not acceptable,” the Nigerian Catholic Bishop warned.

For him, “No groups or any non-state actors should prevent our people from carrying out their legitimate occupation of farming, which is why I am raising the alarm the law prohibiting open grazing should be enforced.”

The Local Ordinary of Katsina-Ala since his Episcopal Consecration in July 2022 acknowledged the efforts of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia's administration in addressing security concerns.

“The current government is working closely with security agencies. I have personally collaborated with them because the governor appointed me to oversee peace initiatives in Sankara,” he said.

While security forces are making efforts to protect communities, Bishop Dugu noted their limitations, saying, “The security personnel are not sufficient in number to cover all areas effectively. This leaves some communities vulnerable. However, they are doing their best despite occasional instances of compromise.”

The 53-year-old Nigerian Catholic Church leader further called on the government to strengthen its commitment to security and governance. He said, “Leaders must create an environment where all citizens can live and work without fear. We must ensure that laws meant to protect communities are enforced without compromise."

During the March 14 interview with ACI Africa, Bishop Dugu reflected on evangelization initiatives in his Episcopal See. 

“When I became Bishop, I established four pillars for the Diocese, with the first being the Word of God, which includes catechesis and new evangelization. Every parish organizes weekly catechism sessions for children and adults to strengthen their faith and help them navigate social and political challenges,” he told ACI Africa.

The Nigerian Catholic Bishop, who has previously attributed the progress made in combating insecurity in his Episcopal See to the power of prayer, particularly through the Holy Rosary recognized initiatives in the agriculture sector.

He told ACI Africa, “We have invested heavily in farming, cultivating rice, sesame seeds, and raising livestock. Our goal is to be self-sustaining and not solely dependent on Church offerings.”

Bishop Dugu cautioned his compatriots against despair amid hardships, saying, “We must look forward to better days ahead. Let us continue to hope for a new Nigeria where the rule of law prevails, good governance thrives, and every citizen can fulfill their potential.”

For Godfrey Igwebuike Onah of Nigeria’s Nsukka Catholic Diocese, the need for Nigerian Catholics to embrace their faith as a beacon of hope amid hardships is urgent.

In the March 14 interview on the sidelines of the closing Mass of the First 2025 Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Bishop Onah underscored the importance of making the theme of the ongoing Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year, “Pilgrims of Hope”, a reality in Nigeria.

“Christians in Nigeria are called to true repentance and to become a light for Nigeria. This light is the light of faith that dispels the darkness of hopelessness in our country,” the Nigerian Catholic Bishop told ACI Africa.

He added, “The main reason for hope is that there are still Christians who believe in God, the God revealed in Jesus Christ. So long as we are with that God in our life, there is hope for this country.”

Bishop Onah noted that while many believe there is little to be hopeful for, recognizing societal problems is itself a sign that hope still exists.

“We are Pilgrims of hope, as the Holy Father describes it. Like the rest of the Church, our Diocese inaugurated the Jubilee Year in December last year, and we have lined up activities to continue the celebration,” the Local Ordinary of Nsukka since his Episcopal Consecration in July 2013 said.

He noted that while many Nigerians are frustrated with the state of affairs in their country, this frustration itself indicates that people still expect better conditions. 

“The real crisis would be if people stopped seeing anything wrong with the way things are. St. Augustine once said that when a sinner realizes his life should be better, it is a sign that sin has not completely corrupted him,” he said.

Bishop Onah called on Nigerian Christians, particularly those in leadership positions, to be a source of hope. He said, “Many of us are in public spaces, in elected positions, civil service, markets, schools, and businesses. Rather than just lamenting, we should hold up our light for the rest of Nigerians to see that there is still hope for this country.”

The 68-year-old Nigerian Catholic Bishop urged his compatriots, especially Christians, to remain steadfast in their faith and commit to hope.

“The light in us, which is Christ Himself, cannot be put out by external circumstances. Only we, through a lack of courage or sinful life, can shield that light. But even if we do, it cannot be extinguished,” Bishop Onah said.

He encouraged the people of God to use the Lenten season as an opportunity to strengthen their faith through prayer, penance, and charity.

“Through these acts, we will make our light shine more brightly for all Nigerians to see. As long as there is at least one Christian in this country, there is still hope for Nigeria,” Bishop Onah told ACI Africa on March 14.