The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Bishop Ignatius Kaigama, on Sunday emphasized the importance of providing prompt benefits to the bereaved and improving the welfare of veterans of the Nigerian Armed Forces to encourage active personnel to serve the nation selflessly.
The cleric who stated this during a sermon at the Nigerian Armed Forces Remembrance Day program for the Interfaith Church Service in Abuja to honor the fallen heroes also urged that collective support be given to their families.
He called on political authorities to uphold justice and human rights while ensuring a safe and dignified future for all Nigerians.
According to him, “Today we must never forget those who died bravely in active service and the families they left behind.
“We take our hats off to the veterans who are still alive. A good tribute will be to help their families by donating to them either personally or collectively.
“Political authorities must ensure prompt payment of benefits to the families of fallen heroes and pay close attention to the well-being of veterans who are still alive.
“This will motivate others currently serving in the armed forces to give their all by serving selflessly,” he said.
Addressing Nigeria's insecurity, Kaigama expressed optimism for national recovery but criticized the current peace of the graveyard.
According to him, “Growing insecurity has continued to plague our nation. Not all hope is lost. However, we remain optimistic that Nigeria can recover from the abyss.
“We continue to insist that the government has a constitutional and statutory duty to protect human rights and ensure basic justice for all.
“The role of the government is to guarantee the minimum conditions that make human rights and justice possible.
“We thank God for the peace we currently enjoy in this country, but our situation seems to be the peace of “the cemetery,” he added.
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He called for collaboration between security forces and an equitable distribution of resources to overcome social divisions.
He highlighted the growing gap between rich and poor as a breeding ground for resentment and violence.
Archbishop Kaigama also highlighted the need for compassionate leadership and renewed patriotism to rebuild the unity and prosperity of Nigeria.
He also condemned ethnic and religious discrimination and urged Nigerians to respect the rights and freedoms of others.
He called for unity, justice and mutual respect as essential steps toward peace, and emphasized that social harmony begins with the recognition of shared humanity.
“There is a message of hope from our President, Bola Tinubu, in his New Year broadcast, he said among other things: “To all citizens, your sacrifices have not been in vain.
“Together, let us stay the course of nation-building. The New Year will bring us closer to the bright future we all desire and the Nigeria of our dreams, Kaigama quoted President Tinubu.
The Service was attached to the Chief of Defense Staff with Service Chiefs, senior and retired military officers.