BY TIMOTHY AGBOR, OSOGBO
The Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, John Oyejola has called on the few privileged Nigerians to learn from the lowly conditions in which Jesus Christ was given birth to and shun materialism, excess greed and insane accumulation of ill-gotten wealth.
Bishop Oyejola gave this charge in his Christmas message entitled: Christmas is a Celebration of our Salvation,” and made available to The Point in Osogbo on Saturday.
Bemoaning wasteful culture in Nigeria, the cleric urged the political class to learn from the fact that as mighty as Jesus is, he was given birth to in a manger.
“The baby Jesus wrapped in “swaddling cloth” was a sharp contrast to the value of materialism prevalent in any society including our own. It is a sign of condemnation of the vice of excessive greed and insane accumulation of wealth by few privileged ones in our society to the detriment of the majority,” he said.
“Recently, the Central Bank of Nigeria redesigned the Naira notes to revive the economy, to curb criminal activities and economic sabotage in the country. Since the new policy was announced, social media have been full of obscene pictures and video clips of billions of naira notes stored away in unusual places that have gone bad. The huge raw cash withdrawn at different times from the banks by criminals and privileged Nigerians for keep was stored outside the banking system.
“At the time the Naira notes were withdrawn they had monetary value that could have put smiles on the faces of poverty stricken citizens, when the new policy forced the culprits to bring out the hidden cash, the naira notes had become physically bad and valueless.
“We commend those who took the courageous decision to expose such ignoble culture of waste and greed in our nation. Christmas Spirit in which the Son of God chose to be born in a lowly condition remains a strong lesson to all greedy Nigerians about the futility of ill-gotten wealth.
“The Lord Jesus came into the world to bring salvation and light of faith to all and sundry, rich and poor alike. The birth of Christ, in a manger is a challenge to those helping themselves and cronies with resources of the nation while common Nigerians are suffering from hunger, ill health and lack of basic necessities of life. Just as Christmas may occur at a time of distress and pain, it also offers message of hope, healing and joy. The hope and joy of Christmas are not rooted on human factors, but eternal message of salvation,” Oyejola noted.
He charged all Nigerians to have a new beginning and shun greed, materialism and accumulation of wealth that prevents others from having good life.
The bishop wished Nigerians memorable Christmas celebration and urged them to extend love to their neighbours and the less privileged.
