By Daniel Obaje
A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Boniface Neibo, has urged the faithful, particularly those in public service, to uphold Christian values and promote ethical leadership to address Nigeria’s challenges.
Neibo, Deputy Director of the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP), made the appeal during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary Colloquium, Awards, and Dinner of the Knights of St. John International (KSJI) on Saturday in Abuja.
He identified leadership as a fundamental challenge facing Nigeria, urging Catholics to participate actively in politics and governance without compromising their faith.
Neibo said members of the Church should not remain indifferent to the country’s problems but should use their values and convictions to promote good governance and transform the political system.
“Let Catholics, let Knights go into politics with Catholic values.
“When you get there, do not compromise your values. Instead, let the principles instilled in you through the catechesis of the Church help you transform the system.
“Practice politics that is defined by conscience, politics that is defined by good governance ethos or ethics,” he said.
Neibo said Catholics should demonstrate their faith through responsible actions and service to society, adding that KSJI had contributed to the Church through charitable activities and support for vulnerable people.
He said KSJI must also prioritise continuity by encouraging younger members, particularly married couples to join and be mentored in its traditions.
Neibo said the recruitment and mentoring of younger members would help preserve KSJI’s legacy and prepare it for the next 50 years.
He commended the knights for their contributions through visits to prisons and hospitals, support for orphans, and empowerment programmes for women and young people.
In his remarks, Brig.-Gen. Francis Njoku, Grand President of the Abuja Grand Commandery of KSJI, noted that the order had contributed to the development of the Catholic Church and supported vulnerable people across Nigeria over the past 50 years.
Njoku said the organisation had remained active in parishes and communities through its support for priests, parish development and assistance to the less privileged.
He said the Abuja Grand Commandery organised a youth programme in August, which brought together more than 700 youths, cadets and juniors to familiarise them with the values of KSJI.
Njoku, however, identified social media, artificial intelligence and economic hardship as challenges affecting the religious upbringing and development of young people.
He said economic difficulties had compelled many parents to spend long hours working to provide for their families, leaving them with less time to guide their children.
Njoku expressed hope that government interventions would ease the economic hardship and enable parents to devote more time to their children’s upbringing.
On his part, Noble Sister Chinwe Mbajaka, Supreme Second Vice-President of the Ladies Auxiliary of KSJI, called for collective efforts to address Nigeria’s challenges, particularly insecurity, unemployment and poverty.
Mbajaka said the Knights and the Ladies Auxiliary had supported the Catholic Church across the country through financial contributions, medical outreaches, skills acquisition and empowerment programmes.
She said the organisation had sponsored the weddings of more than 600 couples and continued to assist widows, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable people.
She urged leaders to prioritise security and job creation, noting that employment would enable citizens to provide for their families and contribute to national development.
The Golden Jubilee Anniversary Colloquium, Awards and Dinner was organised to commemorate 50 years of KSJI in Nigeria and reflect on its contributions to the Church and society. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo
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