Bishop Kaigama Urges Nigerians to Choose Forgiveness Over Vengeance
The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has called on Nigerians to reject vengeance, hatred and animosity. He urged citizens to embrace forgiveness, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence to promote national development.
Kaigama delivered the message through the National Chaplain of the Pious Union of Saint Rita of Cascia, Rev. Fr. Richard Igyor. Igyor represented the archbishop at the union’s 2026 National Feast Celebration in Abuja.
The union disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.
More than 1,000 devotees from across the country attended the celebration. The event carried the theme, “Cultivating Peace, Faith and Hope: Emulating Saint Rita’s Virtues.”
Kaigama said the values associated with Saint Rita could offer important lessons for Nigeria. Those virtues include forgiveness, perseverance, faith and a commitment to peace .Nigeria continues to face insecurity, political tensions and social divisions. Against this backdrop, the archbishop urged citizens to build stronger relationships with God and allow their faith to influence how they treat others.
The message also challenged devotees to look beyond prayers for personal favours. True devotion, Igyor said, should reflect a willingness to practise the virtues associated with the saints.He urged Nigerians to make peace, love, forgiveness and reconciliation part of everyday life. These values, he said, should guide conduct at home, in workplaces, communities and positions of leadership.
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The Prior General of the Pious Union of Saint Rita of Cascia, Nigeria, Cecilia Bishop Kaigama Urges Nigerians to Choose Forgiveness Over Vengeance, also called for greater involvement by women in promoting peace and moral values.
Oyakhire described women as key agents of nation-building. She said Saint Rita’s life should inspire mothers to raise children who value compassion and peaceful coexistence. She also highlighted the union’s humanitarian activities. Members visit hospitals and support vulnerable people who struggle to meet medical expenses. Such initiatives, Oyakhire said, show that religious devotion should extend beyond prayer. Faith should also translate into practical support for people facing hardship.
The Abuja Archdiocese National Grand Patron of the union and former Auditor-General of the Federation, Dr Ukura Samuel, called on political leaders to embrace forgiveness and selfless service. According to Ukura, leaders who promote fairness and forgiveness are less likely to victimise opponents, subordinates or other members of society. He said Saint Rita’s example could help reduce political hostility and hatred as Nigeria moves towards another election cycle.
“If politicians imitate the life of Saint Rita, Nigeria will be a better place to live,” Ukura said.
The appeal comes amid continued political competition and disagreements ahead of the next election cycle. Religious and community leaders have continued to call for peaceful dialogue and tolerance.
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Also speaking, the Abuja Archdiocesan Coordinator, Bro. Celestine Makwe, urged Nigerians to take collective responsibility for building a peaceful society.
Makwe warned that vengeance, enmity and animosity could widen existing divisions. Such attitudes, he said, could also undermine national development.
The coordinator called for greater tolerance and reconciliation. Nigerians, he added, must learn to resolve disagreements without hatred or violence.
The 2026 National Feast Celebration therefore placed forgiveness and peaceful coexistence at the centre of its message. Organisers said the virtues of Saint Rita remain relevant to Nigeria’s search for unity, stability and social harmony.
source: Punch News
Content Credit: Esther Adeyemi
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