…Commissions New Catechists into LAGC
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| Some of the Newly Catechists Commissioned with His Grace, The Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, The Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, at the Lagos Catechists Archdiocesan Guild of Catechists (LAGC) 2025 Catechists Day /Jubilee year of hope Celebrations, St Dominic Chaotic Church Yaba on Sunday 12 October 2025 |
The Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, has urged leaders across Nigeria to prioritise effective governance over politicking by focusing on delivering tangible results that improve citizens’ lives.
He made this call during the commissioning of new catechists from various Catholic parishes in Lagos into the Lagos Archdiocesan Guild of Catechists (LAGC), held as part of the 2025 Catechist Day and Jubilee Year of Hope Celebration at St. Dominic Catholic Church, Yaba, Lagos.
Archbishop Martins observed that many politicians are preoccupied with political alignments and realignments along party lines — a trend, he said, that distracts them from addressing the pressing needs and welfare of Nigerians.
According to him, *“Politicians are aligning and realigning, decamping and recamping, and all of that. It’s really putting governance in a bad state in the whole scheme of things.
“Our appeal is that politicians should recognise that they were voted, first of all, to ensure that life is better for the people. They were elected to ensure that the economy and the social environment are conducive for the well-being of the people.
“Therefore, while no one says they should not campaign, they must first ensure they perform their primary duty of creating an enabling environment for the welfare of Nigerians.”*
In his admonition to the newly commissioned catechists at the event themed “Do Not Lose Heart: Awakening Pilgrims of Hope,” Archbishop Martins charged them to lead people to the knowledge of God and the teachings of the Church, so that others may grow in faith and spiritual understanding.
“We must not forget to begin with thanksgiving to God for the opportunity to hear His Word and to receive the body and blood of Jesus,” he said.
“It is important to remind ourselves of the need to say, ‘Thank you, Jesus,’ from time to time — and indeed, all the time, whenever the opportunity arises. As we gather around our catechists, celebrating their calling and dedication, we must thank God in a special way for choosing them for this noble vocation.”
He further commended the catechists for their dedication to the Church, acknowledging those who had completed their formation and those renewing their pledges.
“You have been called to lead others to the knowledge of God and the teachings of the Church, so that they may grow in faith,” he said. “You catechists provide knowledge, and the Holy Spirit takes control — inspiring faith in those who have been taught.”
