The Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, Most Rev John Oyejola, has admonished Nigerians not to lose courage in the new year despite the nation’s condition.
The cleric, in his new year message made available to newsmen in Osogbo by the Director, Social Communication Commission of the diocese, Rev Fr Anthony Omodunbi, said if Nigerians could scale through the storm of 2021, then they should trust God that 2022 would usher good tidings.
Bishop Oyejola urged citizens of Osun State not to allow what he described as “stomach infrastructure” to determine their political path adding that if they do, miscreants and scoundrels would continue to rule them and their children.
He said, “Looking back through year 2021, there is no mincing of words that the journey was very rough and tough. We continue to face the untoward effects of covid-19, the battering economic hardship, the incessant high level of insecurity across the country. It is like the country is on reverse mode or in a state of anarchy. My people, it was not easy. Despite all, we continue to show how resilient we are as people of this great nation, and most importantly, as a people of God. Truly, our spirit refuses to die because we are a grateful people. In the midst of the challenges, we continue to see reasons to be thankful to God. Scaling through the storm of 2021 only shows that the God never left us.
“My beloved people, we have commenced another journey now and I know we all have fears, we have doubts, we feel insecure but take courage, do not be afraid. It seems as if our dear nation is in a hopeless state without certainty of the future. However, remember that the season of Christmas always remind us that God is with us. Emmanuel. The book of Deuteronomy encourages us to be strong and courageous, not to be afraid or terrified for the Lord our God goes with us and will never abandon us (Deuteronomy 31:6).
“Kindly allow me to use the words of Robert F. Kennedy to speak to our leaders that, what we need in this country is not division; not hatred, what we need in Nigeria is not violence and lawlessness, but is love and wisdom, and compassion toward one another, and a feeling of justice toward those who suffer within our country irrespective of their ethnicity, religion, sex or political affiliation.
“My people of Osun State, this year is gubernatorial election, I call on you to exercise your civic responsibility responsibly. Enough of stomach infrastructure directing your political path. Go out to vote and vote right because if you do not, miscreants and scoundrels will continue to determine your future and that of your children. My beloved youth, do not be used as instruments of electoral manipulations and violence. Be courageous and take the bull by the horn and let us know that you are the true leaders of tomorrow.
“As we commence this year, I admonish us as St. Paul did in his letter to the Philippians that whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, anything worthy of praise, let your heart dwell on them this year and it shall be well with you and your family. Amen.
Once again, I wish you a happy new year.”
Adenitan Akinola
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