By Dennis Udoma, Uyo
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in hope and work together to build a just, united, and prosperous nation despite prevailing hardships.
The call was contained in a communiqué jointly signed by the CBCN President, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, (Archbishop of Owerri) and the Secretary, Most Rev. Donatus A. Ogun, at the end of the Second Plenary Meeting of the Conference, which held from September 11–19, 2025, at the Diocesan Retreat and Youth Development Centre, Nto Ekpu Ikot, Nko, in Obot Akara L.G.A., Akwa Ibom State.
Quoting the scriptures, the bishops declared: “Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit” (Romans 5:5).
They admonished Nigerians not to lose faith amid economic hardship, but to persevere with courage, while demanding justice, good governance, and accountability from leaders.
On family and moral values, the bishops expressed concern over the erosion of family life, poor parenting, prostitution, and rising occult practices among youths.
They also condemned in vitro fertilisation (IVF), describing it as “gravely immoral,” while promoting adoption and natural family planning.
Parents, they advised, must also guide children on the moral use of digital technology.
Addressing liturgical discipline, the bishops warned against desecrating the sacred liturgy with multiple collections, political activities at the altar, and deviations from Catholic worship.
They also frowned at the proliferation of private ministries and prosperity preachers who exploit religion for personal gain.
On the state of the nation, the CBCN acknowledged improvements in infrastructure, food security efforts, and the dedication of some security personnel, but lamented that insecurity, poverty, unemployment, poor healthcare, weak education, and erratic power supply remain widespread.
They identified corruption and bad governance as the root causes of Nigeria’s woes, warning that the nation risks collapse if leaders continue prioritizing power struggles over the common good.
The bishops renewed their call for urgent electoral reforms, including electronic transmission of results, transparent INEC appointments, and integrity within the judiciary. Citizens, they emphasized, must reject voter apathy, bribery, and ethno-religious bias during elections.
On the Niger Delta, the Conference demanded urgent cleanup of oil spills, an end to gas flaring, and restoration of livelihoods.
They also welcomed the new National Policy on Non-State Schools, reaffirming that Catholic education is not profit-driven and urging government support alongside tax exemption.
The bishops further mourned the passing of Pope Francis in April and rejoiced at the election of Pope Leo XIV. They announced that the national celebration of the Jubilee Year of Hope will hold at Elele, Rivers State, from September 19–21, 2025.
Concluding, the communiqué declared: “We renew our hope for a better Nigeria, where everyone will feel secure and at home. We entrust our families, nation, and Church to the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen and Patroness of Nigeria.”
