The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has urged Nigerians to reject vengeance, hatred and animosity and embrace forgiveness, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence for national development.
Kaigama made the call through the National Chaplain of the Pious Union of Saint Rita of Cascia, Rev. Fr. Richard Igyor, who represented him at the union’s 2026 National Feast Celebration in Abuja.
The celebration, themed “Cultivating Peace, Faith and Hope: Emulating Saint Rita’s Virtues,” attracted more than 1,000 devotees from across the country.
According to a statement issued by the union on Monday, Kaigama said the virtues of Saint Rita, particularly forgiveness, perseverance, faith and commitment to peace, remained relevant to Nigeria amid insecurity, political tensions and social divisions.
He urged Nigerians to go beyond seeking miracles and develop a deeper relationship with God that would influence how they treat others and contribute to society.
Igyor, who represented the Archbishop, said true devotion to saints should not be measured by the favours devotees expect from prayers, but by their willingness to emulate the virtues of the saints.
He urged Nigerians to allow peace, love, forgiveness and reconciliation to guide their conduct at home, in workplaces, communities and leadership positions.
The Prior General of the Pious Union of Saint Rita of Cascia, Nigeria, Cecilia Oyakhire, also called on women to play greater roles in promoting peace and strong moral values within their families and communities.
Oyakhire described women as important agents of nation-building and said the life of Saint Rita should inspire them to raise children who value compassion and peaceful coexistence.
She added that the union had continued to demonstrate Saint Rita’s charitable spirit through humanitarian activities, including hospital visits and support for vulnerable people who could not afford medical treatment.
Also speaking, the Abuja Archdiocese National Grand Patron of the union and former Auditor-General of the Federation, Dr Ukura Samuel, urged political leaders to embrace forgiveness, fairness and selfless service.
He said leaders who adopted such virtues would be less likely to victimise political opponents, subordinates and other members of society.
Ukura noted that the virtues of Saint Rita could help reduce political hostility, particularly as Nigeria approaches another election cycle.
“If the politicians imitate the life of Saint Rita, you will see Nigeria will be a better place to live,” he said.
The Abuja Archdiocesan Coordinator, Bro. Celestine Makwe, also urged Nigerians to promote forgiveness and peaceful coexistence, warning that vengeance, enmity and animosity could deepen divisions and hinder national development.
“We must strive to build a nation where peaceful coexistence and forgiveness thrive. We should not allow a spirit of vengeance, enmity or animosity to exist among us because these attitudes can only divide the country and hinder development,” he said.
Makwe called for greater tolerance and reconciliation, urging Nigerians to resolve their differences peacefully rather than resorting to hatred or violence.
