Christmas: Change your ways for greater nation, Ogun Catholic Bishop charges Nigerians
Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
The Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo has called for new orientation and attitudinal change on the part of all Nigerians for the country to be a better place for all her citizens.
Bishop Odetoyinbo, who made the call in his 2023 Christmas Message titled, Let the Joy of Christ’s birth rekindle our hope”, and made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, the Ogun State, said every heart must embrace a better attitude and lifestyle in the New Year.
He said, “If we desire a new Nigeria, then it must come with new orientation and attitudinal change. We all think of changing Nigeria but let one of us begin by first changing his or her attitude, then Nigeria will be a better place”.
His words, “Imagine how kidnapping, bribery, vote-buying, ballot box snatching, forgery, insurgency, banditry, robbery and other related vices would become things of the past if everyone of us decides to embrace a ‘change of attitude’ as we approach the New Year.”
“A change of attitude and orientation particularly as we prepare for the general elections is our clarion call. Let us reject all forms of vote selling and incentives by politicians who have turned our willpower to merchandise! Do not sell your vote for pecuniary gains! Let us join hands to save Nigeria by electing credible leaders that will salvage things from getting worse! It is not enough to desire the joy of a new Nigeria, there is a corresponding responsibility”.
“Our desired future will only emerge when we go out determined to cast our votes for the candidates we believe can deliver on the dividends of democracy and help fulfil our dream of a prosperous nation”, Bishop Odetoyinbo said.
As a reminder, go and collect your permanent voters’ cards and vote wisely in the coming general elections. I have said this at various fora and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria has reiterated this to us over and over again”.
We must therefore cast off the darkness of the night and embrace the new light of the day through the renewing power of the birth of Jesus. As we prepare for the celebration of Christmas, let us be reminded of Christ’s second coming when he shall come to judge the living and the dead”.
Are we constantly getting ready by our way of life? Our works of charity to one another should reflect this reality. Let our joy therefore be made manifest as we share with our brothers and sisters this season and always”.
