Archbishop Martins Ordains Priests, Call For Nigerian Participation in 2027 General Elections
By Uchenna Eletuo
The Lagos Catholic Archbishop, Most.Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, on Thursday, ordained 14 seminarians deacons and elevated six diaconates to priesthood, and charged Nigerians to vote at coming 2027 general elections to enthrone good leaders.
Archbishop Martins, the Chief Shepherd at ordination held at the Church of the Ascension, Airport Road, Ikeja Lagos, tasked the priests on selfless service to the Church and and to the society.
Martins, gave the admonition after the candidates for the ordination have pledged their loyalty to the Church and administered with the oak of priesthood to guide them on the discipline, humility, probity and conducts expected of persons of the Holy Order.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that those ordained deacons were: Rev Benedict Udeh-Apeh, Rev. John Godspower Theodore, Rev. Emmanuel Chisom Ibeakwaeze, Rev. Mathias Tochukwu Okeke.
Others were Rev. Anthony Uchechukwu Azubuike, Rev. Reuben Mautin Yonronfun, Rev.Augutine Chiebuka Anyanwu, Rev.Mathew Setonji Salako, Rev. Victor Ojochenemi Musa, Rev. Collins Chukwudi Amaizu.
Others are Rev. Linford Ikenna Unogu, Rev.Leo Chukwuebuka Okoye, Rev. Francis Chinonso Ifedioranma and Rev. Vincent Oginikachukwu Akunne.
The ordained priests are Rev. Peter Sewanu Mokun, Rev. Johnpaul Tobechukwu Nwabuisi, Rev. Jerome Chisom Anozie, Rev. Morris Chukwnonso Mordi, Rev. Joshua Oluwaseun Fipiade and Rev. John Emeka Odika.
Addressing the priests, Archbishop Martins said, “My sons you are being raised to the order of deacons and priesthood. The Lord has set an example for you to follow.
“As ministers who will serve Jesus Christ, who was known among His disciples as the one who serve others. Do the will of God generously.
“Serve God and mankind in love and joy. Look upon all unchastity and avarice as worship of false gods; for no man can serve two masters.
“Like the men the apostles chose for works of charity, you should be a man of good reputation, filled with wisdom and the Holy Spirit.Show before God and mankind that you are above every suspicion of blame, a true minister of Christ and God’s mysteries, a man firmly rooted in faith,” he said.
The revered cleric advised Nigerians not to be indifferent to the future and development of the country. He called on Nigerians to participate in the electioneering process of 2027.
He said, participating in the elections by voting and being voted for will help Nigerians to do away with bad leaders and enthrone leaders that will advance the society.
He advised Nigerians to vote and determine the leadership they needed and will control the nations wealth for the common good of citizens.
