Bishop Godfrey Onah of the Diocese of Nsukka in Enugu State has called on all Nigerians to maintain hope and actively participate in efforts to improve the country. He made this appeal during a thanksgiving service in Abuja, marking the end of Rev. Fr. Uchechukwu Obodoechina’s tenure as Executive Secretary of Caritas-Nigeria.
Bishop Onah emphasized that, despite the difficult times, it is the responsibility of citizens to contribute to the nation’s recovery. “Nigerians should know that Nigeria is in the hands of Nigerians; only Nigerians can solve the problems of Nigerians,” he stated. He warned against losing hope, asserting that the collective efforts of all Nigerians are crucial to salvaging the country.
He encouraged individuals to reflect on what they can do to improve the situation rather than blaming others. The Bishop also urged the government to fulfill its responsibilities in enhancing the citizens’ quality of life, acknowledging the vital role of interventions like Caritas-Nigeria and other NGOs in addressing societal challenges.
Bishop Onah criticized the government for relying on such organizations to do what it should be handling, stating that this reflects poorly on the authorities. He called for a collaborative approach between the government and civil bodies to ensure all Nigerians can live with dignity, similar to citizens in other countries.
Rev. Fr. Obodoechina expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and the support received during his eight years in office, highlighting the need for government accountability in protecting the lives and properties of its citizens.