Catholic Priest Lauds Jubilee of Armed Forces in Nigeria, Says Church’s Initiative Will Foster Unity

“We all have a vocation given to us by God—whether as Clergy, security personnel, or family members. Parents, for instance, have a divine responsibility to raise their children with moral values,” he said. 

The Catholic Priest continued, “Sadly, many parents today are not living up to this responsibility, and in doing so, they fail in God’s divine agenda for them.”

He went on to express concern about moral decline among young people and called for proactive parental guidance. 

“If parents are proactive in guiding their children, providing them with sound moral teachings, and encouraging them to be good citizens, society will be much better,” Fr. Bashuron stated.

He added, “That is why this Jubilee Year of Hope is crucial—it reminds us to rekindle our faith and restore the hope that God has given us.”

Also speaking to ACI Africa during the March 4 event, Fr. Victor Nyoro, the National Chaplain of the Nigerian Correctional Service lauded the Catholic Church for organizing the gathering, which brought together members of the military, police, security services, and the media. 

“I am truly grateful for this gathering. It is the first time we are all together—all celebrating hope. This demonstrates a community of faith and shared purpose. It is exceptional, commendable, and something we should continue with,” Fr. Nyoro said.

Expressing concern about the growing number of young offenders in correctional facilities, Fr. Nyoro urged parents to take their responsibilities seriously. 

He observed that many of the youths in correctional facilities come from broken homes here there is a lack proper parental care. “We hear their heartbreaking stories. Many had no guidance and ended up associating with the wrong people who gave them a false sense of security,” he explained.

The Catholic Priest called on parents to see parenting as a vocation and a project. 

“Parenting should be seen as a project, not just a task. Parents should not focus solely on providing material things but must ensure their children receive a proper upbringing. They should draw their children closer to God and actively monitor their growth,” he said.

Fr. Nyoro also reminded parents of their divine accountability, saying, “Parents must understand that they will be held accountable by God for the responsibilities entrusted to them. The future of our society depends on how well we guide and nurture the next generation.”

Meanwhile, a Muslim Cleric has commended the Catholic Church for its dedication to fostering hope and unity in Nigeria as the Christian community celebrates the Jubilee Year.

Sheikh Usman Mohammed praised the Catholic Church’s commitment to peace, social justice, and humanitarian efforts.

“The Catholic Church has been at the forefront of spreading hope and compassion, not just within its own community, but to all people, regardless of faith. These are values that deeply align with the teachings of Islam, and they remind us of our shared responsibility to humanity,” he told ACI Africa on the sidelines of the March 4 Jubilee celebration.

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Sheikh Usman commended Pope Francis and Catholic leaders for their efforts in promoting dialogue and reconciliation across the world. 

“The Jubilee Year serves as a powerful reminder of the need for mercy, forgiveness, and solidarity. At a time when the world faces division and hardship, faith leaders must rise to inspire hope and healing,” he said.

Sheikh Usman expressed gratitude for the opportunity to attend the interfaith gathering. 

“I thank God for giving me this great opportunity to be part of this program. I am indeed overwhelmed with joy. I have learned so much from this gathering and can testify that this is a wonderful step taken by the Catholic Church to foster unity among humanity. This is precisely what we need in Nigeria today,” he said.

The cleric, who serves as the Imam of the Central Mosque at the Nigerian Immigration Service, also urged leaders of different faiths to emulate the Catholic Church’s commitment to charity and inclusivity. 

“We must continue to build bridges rather than walls. Let us work together, Muslims, Christians, and people of all faiths, to promote peace and understanding,” he said.