Nigerian Archbishop Urges Indigenous People “feeling abandoned” to Own Catholic Faith

“You are not strangers. You are not foreigners,” he said, emphasizing that everyone belongs to the Church.

The Local Ordinary of Abuja Archdiocese underscored the need to recognize Nigeria’s indigenous tribes stating that the rural evangelization effort of the Archdiocese of Abuja is beginning to yield fruits, with some of the indigenous tribes expressing interest in priestly vocations.

“Our first indigenous Priest from Gbagyi  was ordained some years ago, but he died immediately after. His name was Father Michael Akawu. But right now we have two that are upcoming, and they are doing so well,” Archbishop Kaigama said.

The Archbishop explained, “We have over 12 seminarians who we are training to be Priests from these indigenous people, you can see. Just in the last few years, we have had this number. That tells you, in the next five to 10 years, we shall have an abundant harvest.”

“I have every hope that the Gbagyi, the Koro, the Gwandara, and the other tribes are going to flourish in faith and vocation,” the 65-year-old Catholic Church leader, who started his Episcopal Ministry in April 1995 as Bishop of Nigeria’s Jalingo Diocese said.

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He continued, “The Catholic faith will flourish among them, and they will be active and very serious promoters of the Catholic faith. And it's  not just to profess it, but to live it. It will transform their lives, it will change them radically from negative things to positive things.”

Archbishop Kaigama acknowledged the challenges that the indigenous people face, including being displaced to pave way for urbanization. This he said, sometimes happens without warning and compensation. 

“One village recently received a notice to vacate their land without any provided alternatives. “Where are they moving to?” he posed, and added, “A    sensitive government will ensure that its citizens are well protected.”

The gathering saw the indigenous people who were clad in their traditional attire entertain the masses.

Archbishop Kaigama advocated for positive integration of cultural practices into Christianity, saying, “The culture of respect, honesty, and obedience are things we can bring into the Christian faith.”

“While harmful practices are discouraged, the richness of indigenous culture is celebrated,” the Archbishop said.  

Abah Anthony John is a Nigerian Journalist with great enthusiasm and interest for Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria. He has vast experience in Print,  Electronic and Multi-Media Production.