By Chikezie Ogbonna
In a thought provoking Christmas message, The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, has passionately urged Nigerian leaders to exhibit heightened sensitivity towards the plight of their citizens.
Against the backdrop of a nation grappling with a cash crunch, soaring prices of essential commodities, and escalating insecurity, Bishop Onaga delivered a fervent plea for immediate attention from those in positions of power. In his Christmas address, His Lordship articulated that the burdens faced by Nigerians were too weighty to be ignored.
“The conduct of Nigerian politicians does not reflect the true difficulties experienced by the people,” remarked Bishop Onaga, underscoring the urgent need for leaders to address the pressing issues affecting the populace.
Highlighting the detrimental impact of artificial scarcity and the proliferation of counterfeit products, the Bishop sternly warned against exacerbating the challenges faced by the citizens. He implored both the government and the public to work collaboratively towards alleviating the burdens borne by the people.
Furthermore, Bishop Onaga expressed concern about the potential secularization of Christmas celebrations by those he termed as antichrist forces. He emphasized the importance of preserving the sanctity of the festive season and discouraged the use of the generic phrase “Happy Holidays,” insisting that “Happy Christmas” should be the preferred greeting.
In a broader societal context, the Bishop called upon media practitioners and filmmakers to actively promote positive values and counteract the prevailing evils within the community. His message resonated with a call for collective responsibility in shaping a more harmonious and compassionate society.
As he delved into the true essence of Christmas, Bishop Onaga reminded Nigerians, particularly the faithful, that the celebration symbolizes the reincarnation of Christ. He elucidated three fundamental points: God as the Saviour, the demonstration of God’s boundless love for humanity, and the reaffirmation that God is steadfastly present with the people.
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