Folalumi Alaran in Abuja
The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, His Grace Most Reverend Dr. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, has urged Nigerians to reject vengeance, hatred and animosity and embrace peace, forgiveness and reconciliation as critical steps towards achieving national unity and development.
Kaigama made the call on Sunday through the National Chaplain of the Pious Union of Saint Rita of Cascia, Rev. Fr. Richard Igyor, who represented him at the 2026 National Feast Celebration of the Union in Abuja.
The celebration, themed, “Cultivating Peace, Faith and Hope: Emulating Saint Rita’s Virtues,” attracted more than 1,000 devotees from across the country who gathered to reflect on the life of Saint Rita and the relevance of her virtues to Nigeria’s development.
Igyor said the virtues of Saint Rita, particularly forgiveness, perseverance, faith and commitment to peace, remained relevant to Nigeria amid insecurity, political tensions and growing social divisions.
He urged Nigerians to go beyond seeking miracles and develop genuine relationships with God that would be reflected in their treatment of others.
According to him, true devotion to saints should not be limited to seeking favours through prayers but should be demonstrated by emulating their virtues in everyday life.
He said Nigerians could contribute to national development by allowing the values of peace, love and reconciliation to shape their conduct at home, in workplaces, communities and positions of leadership.
The Prior General of the Pious Union of Saint Rita of Cascia, Nigeria, Mrs. Cecilia Oyakhire, described women as critical agents of nation-building and urged them to promote peace, love and care within their families.
Oyakhire said the virtues of Saint Rita should inspire women to raise children with strong moral values and a commitment to peaceful coexistence.
“Women are nation builders. Women are supposed to have a soft heart, to always make peace, show love and care,” she said.
She added that the Pious Union had continued to demonstrate Saint Rita’s charitable spirit through hospital visits and support for vulnerable people unable to afford medical expenses.
Also, the Abuja Archdiocese National Grand Patron of the Pious Union and former Auditor-General of the Federation, Dr. Ukura Samuel, urged Nigerian leaders to embrace forgiveness and selfless service.
Samuel said leaders who practised forgiveness and fairness would be less likely to victimise political opponents, subordinates and other members of society.
He noted that the virtues of Saint Rita could help reduce hatred and political hostility, particularly as the country approaches another election cycle.
“If the politicians imitate the life of Saint Rita, you will see Nigeria will be a better place to live,” he said.
Similarly, the Abuja Archdiocesan Coordinator, Bro. Celestine Makwe, called on Nigerians to collectively build a society anchored on peaceful coexistence, forgiveness and mutual understanding.
Makwe warned that vengeance, enmity and animosity could deepen divisions and undermine national development.
“We must strive to build a nation where peaceful coexistence and forgiveness thrive. We should not allow a spirit of vengeance, enmity or animosity to exist among us because these attitudes can only divide the country and hinder development,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to embrace reconciliation and tolerance, stressing that peaceful coexistence required individuals and communities to forgive one another and resolve disagreements without resorting to hatred or violence.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Lady Idowu Jokpeyibo, said the celebration attracted more than 1,000 devotees from different parts of the country.
She expressed appreciation to the organisers, benefactors, members of the committee and the management of Cor Mariae College for supporting the event.
The celebration featured prayers, reflections and charitable activities aimed at encouraging devotees to deepen their faith and emulate the virtues of Saint Rita.