By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Catholic Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndanoso, has expressed grave concern over the widespread hopelessness in Nigeria, attributing it to numerous national challenges including insecurity, hunger, multi-dimensional poverty, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, terrorism, and the unplanned fuel subsidy removal.
In his Christmas message, the Archbishop highlighted the deepening crisis facing Nigerians, stressing that the country’s difficulties have led to widespread despair, eroded trust in leadership, and a sense of hopelessness that many citizens have never before experienced in the nation’s history.
“The situation in our country today—with insecurity, hunger, multi-dimensional poverty, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, terrorism, insurgency, armed robbery, high cost of living, and transportation—has been exacerbated by the hurried and unplanned removal of fuel subsidy,” said the Archbishop. “The free-floating of the Naira has made life unbearable for most Nigerians, resulting in existential challenges that have crushed hope and left many questioning the future.”
He lamented that some individuals, overwhelmed by the circumstances, have even resorted to suicide, while others have fled the country in search of better opportunities. “There is hopelessness everywhere in the land,” he added.
Archbishop Ndanoso called on all levels of government, especially the federal government, to reconsider current policies and implement changes to alleviate the hardships Nigerians face. “The hunger and poverty are unimaginable. Even during harvest time, the prices of essential food items remain out of reach for many families,” he noted.
In light of these struggles, the Archbishop emphasized the importance of Christmas as a symbol of hope. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us to give us hope in our seemingly hopeless situation. He is Emmanuel, God with us, even in our difficult times,” Ndanoso said.
The Archbishop also referenced Pope Francis’ message about the role of peace and hope in the Christian faith. “Where God is born, peace is born; and where peace is born, hope is born; and where hope is born, persons regain their dignity,” he quoted.
He called on Christians to live according to the values of love, compassion, and hope demonstrated by the birth of Jesus, urging them to bring these values into their everyday lives. The message also focused on the need for social responsibility, urging the faithful to be mindful of the most vulnerable in society, including internally displaced persons, the elderly, and victims of violence.
Ndanoso concluded his message with a reminder about the upcoming Jubilee Year declared by Pope Francis for 2025, encouraging the faithful to embrace the theme of “Pilgrims of Hope” as a guiding principle for the year ahead.
He wished all Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, praying for a better future for the nation.
