“A disgrace”: Cardinal Onaiyekan in Nigeria Decries Neglect of Elderly, Urges National Rebirth ahead of Easter

He went on to fault Nigerian government’s misplaced priorities, saying, “It is bad when the government does not care about our elderly ones (but is) busy with other things. See how long they are spending discussing who sits where in the National Assembly… They don’t care about anybody in this country.”

The Nigerian Catholic Church leader challenged the government to return to “fundamental principles of governance and public service.”

He urged the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government to advocate for and implement “policies that ensure the dignity and well-being of older persons. Let’s simply say, our government should do the right thing. Take care of the people – old and young, male and female, whether you are strong or disabled.”

“We must return to our African roots, where the aged are honoured and protected. Development that ignores the welfare of the elderly is both incomplete and unjust,” the Cardinal who started his Episcopal Ministry in January 1983 as Auxiliary Bishop of Nigeria’s Ilorin Catholic Diocese told ACI Africa. 

In the April 10 interview, Onaiyekan went on to reflect on the end of the Lenten Season with Holy Week and called for a national rebirth in Africa’s most populous nation.

“The message of Easter is a call to rise above hatred, selfishness, and violence. Our nation needs a resurrection from the depths of despair and disunity,” he said, and added, “Jesus gave His life for the salvation of others. Our leaders must learn to lead by serving, not by exploiting. The nation is groaning, and it is time for sincere repentance and change.”

He continued, “Let the empty tomb remind us that darkness does not have the final word. If we truly believe in the risen Lord, we must be agents of light in our homes, churches, and communities.”