In a stirring message to a troubled nation, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has urged Nigerians to anchor their future in Christian hope and bold reform.
Wrapping up their 2025 Second Plenary Assembly in Ikot Ekpene, the bishops declared that hope is not “wishful thinking” but a confident trust in God that must inspire concrete action for justice, peace, and good governance.
Family at the Heart of Society
Calling the family the nation’s “moral compass,” the bishops decried the erosion of family values, prostitution, and the growing acceptance of in vitro fertilization (IVF), which they described as “gravely immoral.” They encouraged adoption and natural family planning as life-affirming alternatives.
They warned of a resurgence of idolatry, occultism, and superstition among young people, urging parents and catechists to provide sound spiritual formation. They also cautioned against the misuse of technology—highlighting cybercrime, pornography, and digital addiction—as forces undermining moral growth.
The bishops condemned practices that distort the Mass, such as excessive collections and political grandstanding within church sanctuaries. They rebuked prosperity gospel preachers and private ministries that exploit faith for personal gain, reminding diocesan leaders to defend Catholic teaching and deepen catechesis to nurture committed disciples.
While acknowledging government efforts—new roads, tax reforms, and a revised minimum wage—the bishops stressed that insecurity, poverty, youth unemployment, and decaying health and education sectors remain pressing crises.
Corruption and power-hungry politics, they warned, are the roots of these ills.
They called for Transparent Elections through Stronger electoral reforms, electronic transmission of results, and non-partisan INEC appointments, Civic Education through Greater voter awareness to fight apathy and vote-buying and Faithful Leadership through lay Catholics of integrity to step forward for political office.
They also called for environmental Action through urgent cleanup of Niger Delta oil spills, reduced gas flaring, and revitalized seaports to spur jobs and security and support for Schools and Farms by Strengthening Catholic schools under the new National Policy on Non-State Schools and investing in agriculture to fight hunger.
The bishops reflected on the death of Pope Francis, the election of Pope Leo XIV, and Nigeria’s Jubilee Year of Hope celebrations in Elele, Rivers State. They also offered condolences on the passing of Bishop Francis Ogbonna Okobo.
Ending on a note of resolve, the bishops declared, “Hope does not deceive; hope saves,” entrusting Nigeria to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
They urged citizens to turn faith into action—rebuilding families, demanding accountability, and embracing the hard work of national renewal.