Vote for “credible leaders” in 2023 Elections: Vicar General of Lagos Archdiocese, Nigeria

He urged Christians in the West African nation “to get their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) and participate actively in politics.” 

Reflecting on the security challenge in Africa’s most populous nation, the Vicar General of Lagos Archdiocese who doubles as the Parish Priest of St. Leo Catholic Church, Ikeja called for divine intervention saying that “prayer is the only thing that can solve” the crisis of insecurity in Nigeria.

“We believe that prayers change things,” he said, and continued, “There is no one that is not aware about the security situation which has deteriorated to a large extent and we all know that government is trying on its part to improve the security architecture of the country, except everyone expect them to do more in that area in order to restore peace across the country.”

“Apart from what the government is doing, each locality must also ensure it protects its locality to fight insurgency,” he said.

Speaking about the 50th anniversary celebration of St. Leo Parish, Mons. Aniagwu expressed his joy at the growth of the Christian community in the Parish.

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He said, “As we mark 50 years of the existence of the Parish, the membership stands at about 8,000 at the main Church in Ikeja and the satellite churches at Agidingbi and Adeniyi Jones put together.”

“The number of parishioners at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Ikeja, alone is about 6,500,” Mons. Aniagwu added.

“The Church as an organization is aware of the congregants. Naturally, the Church has put measures in place to provide adequate security daily in the Church, not only during the program,” the Parish Priest of St. Leo said.

He went on to highlight some of the activities planned for the anniversary celebration, saying, “There will be programs for children, youths, sick and home-bound parishioners.”

“A special Mass will celebrate Golden Jubilarians, including those whose birthdays or wedding anniversaries fall within the period, as well as those who have spent 50 years as parishioners of St. Leo Catholic Church,” Mons. Aniagwu said.

He continued, “There will be a variety of indoor and outdoor sports activities, for which prizes will be awarded to victorious participants.”

The anniversary celebration is expected to end on September 4 with a Pontifical Mass.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.