Friday, March 29, 2024

Why Nigeria may not progress even after restructuring – Catholic bishop

As the demand for the restructuring of Nigeria intensifies, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, Most Rev. John Oyejola, has said that the nation may not witness any significant progress even after carrying out such an exercise.

Bishop Oyejola, who noted that, contrary to the belief by a larger section of Nigerians that the country’s present structure was its bane, argued that Nigerians themselves constituted the greatest challenge causing the nation’s underdevelopment and distress.

He pointed out that until the people changed their attitudes for better, restructuring would not transform the country.

Oyejola, who was addressing Catholic faithful during a procession in Osogbo as part of activities marking the closing ceremony of the Marian year, asked Nigerians to be disciplined, patriotic and have a change of attitude in order for the nation to work, irrespective of whether it was restructured or not.

The Catholic bishop then called on Nigerians, especially the political leaders to repent from their sinful ways, insisting that citizens’ “evil deeds” and lawless attitudes were affecting the nation’s progress and prosperity.

We must first restructure our mentality and attitude before restructuring Nigeria

The cleric said, “We (Nigerians) must restructure our mentality and attitudes before restructuring Nigeria. If all of us can imbibe  good attitudes, Nigeria will be a better place. So, stealing and embezzlement of public funds are not the only corrupt acts. The motorcycle rider, who would prefer to ride on one way and flout traffic rules, is also indulging in corruption. So, let’s restructure ourselves first, because without this, Nigeria may not still improve, even after restructuring.

“The Catholic Church has also called for the restructuring of the country, but I am telling us that without every citizen of this country resolving to fear God and serve humanity selflessly in every capacity they find themselves, Nigeria may not still get it right after being restructured.

“The Catholic Church has three things and they are church suffering, church triumphant and church pilgrims. Part of them is what we are doing, when we come out en masse to pray four our country and ourselves. We are church pilgrims; so it is in accordance with the church’s doctrine, and it is a call to repentance.”

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