Osogbo Diocesan Catholic Bishop, Most Reverend (Dr.) John Akin Oyejola, has charged Nigerian leaders and public office holders to bring hope to the masses amid numerous challenges.
To him, the Lenten season offers these leaders an opportunity to redirect their lifestyles and focus on issues that can truly provide hope to the people they are meant to serve.
He delivered his 2025 Lenten season message to the people of the state, especially to Catholics who traditionally begin the season with the commemoration of Ash Wednesday.
Oyejola reminded them of the need to live a selfless life capable of giving Hope to the people by focusing on issues that are beneficial to all and sundry not to a selected few .
He noted that this year’s Lenten message coincided with the jubilee year celebration, serving as a timely reminder of hope, charity, and almsgiving—the very virtues the season calls for.
Also, he urged politicians and other office holders to use this period to repent from both actions and inactions that have failed to bring hope to the people.
His words: “We are in a difficult situation because we have failed to do the right thing,
“Politicians should stop thinking solely of themselves and their pockets; instead, they must abandon selfishness and redirect their efforts toward sustaining the hope earned through Christ’s victory on the cross.”
He stressed that the Lenten season provides a great opportunity to turn away from bad ways and live as people of hope and trust in God.
Also, he reminded Christians to leave behind their former ways and embrace new life of hope .
