62nd INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL MASS: ARCHBISHOP UGORJI LAMENTS CHALLENGES IN NIGERIA

REPORTER: CHUKWUKA AGUKWE

The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese Most Reverend Lucius Ugorji has called on Nigerians to turn away from their wicked ways and collectively start to initiating good policies for the development of the nation.

Archbishop Ugorji stated this at Thanksgiving Mass ahead of Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Anniversary held at Maria Assumpta Catholic Cathedral Owerri.

According to Archbishop, Nigerians had yearned for a nation where everybody would be respected, given a sense of belonging but ritual killings, bribery, corruption and looting of funds had become the order of the day.

Archbishop Ugorji, emphasized that Nigeria is a potential great country blessed with numerous natural resources but her citizens suffer due to mismanagement of the resources and abuse of office.

Speaking after the holy mass, the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, acknowledged the fact that Nigeria had come of age with so many challenges ranging from poor leadership, poverty, insecurity and unemployment, stressing that the country remained hopeful.

He pointed out that what the country needed most was the right approach to confront the identified problems and look for lasting solutions in a peacful manner.

He said no responsible government would fold her hands and watch her citizens being slaughtered or see public assets burnt to ashes.

Highlight of the mass was prayer for the nation and leaders to act wisely for the common good of the people

The mass was attended by religious leaders, security agents, top government appointees and various groups.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU