NIGERIA: Comfort, Encourage one another, Kaigama Urges as Archdiocese Marks Youth Day

ABUJA, AUGUST 10, 2021 (CISA) – Archbishop Ignatius Kiagama of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja has called on the youth in Nigeria to seek consolation in Jesus, despite the many challenges the country is grappling with.

“In our country today, poverty, kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, have almost become a new normal; children are abused, young girls are raped, palliatives for the poor are diverted, persons are kidnapped, and if sensitive political or security positions in the state or national government are available, they are given not on merit but based on religious and tribal considerations; so also admission into important institutions, National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) postings, recruitment into the military or para-military. We still have a long and rough way to go as a nation,” Archbishop Ignatius Kiama said on August 7 while leading Mass at the Cathedral of the Twelve Apostle’s, Kubwa to celebrate the Archdiocesan Youth day.

“Dear youths, in the face of all this, it is easy to become so frustrated and to seek solace in drugs, immoral behaviour and violence. We are called to seek consolation in Jesus and to find strength in being together. You must offer comfort and encouragement to one another; amend your lives so that you will be the shining stars of Nigeria,” he said urging the youth to find time to read the word of God not always consuming social media content.

The Archbishop further lauded the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria of Abuja Archdiocese and the Youth Commission for organizing the day meant to emphasize the needs of the youths which are to be true and effective witnesses of Lord Jesus Christ.