The Metropolitan Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace, The Most Rev’d Alfred Adewale Martins has said that one great gift that can be given to His Eminence, Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, Emeritus Archbishop of Lagos as he celebrates his 90th birthday is that those who have the responsibility of leading Nigerians at all levels should double their efforts and address insecurity so that Nigerians can live in peace and also sleep with their two eyes closed as well as walk the streets without fear or anguish.

Martins said this, yesterday, in Lagos, during the thanksgiving mass held at Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos to mark Cardinal Okogie’s 90th birthday; 60th priestly ordination anniversary; and 55th episcopal ordination anniversary.

The Archbishop who is visibly worried with the activities of terrorists, bandits and kidnappers, noted that insecurity is one problem that breaks the heart of every Nigerian.

According to him, “as we wake up every day, we hear news of Boko Haram; bandits and all sorts of criminal elements all over the country.

As Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, we have often pointed out the directions that need to be followed in dealing with the problems and difficulties of our country.”

Speaking further, he said, “Collectively as conference and individually at different fora and on different occasions, we have brought to attention when we had private audiences with our president these challenges and always he explained to us what the government is doing to overcome the problems, however, the problems still presist inspite of different kinds of successes.”

He lamented that things are getting bad everyday.

“We hear of people been kidnapped by so-called bandits, and uncommon criminals. We hear of soldiers been ambushed and killed among them Generals slaughtered, people been displaced from their homes including traditional rulers for fear of attacks. We even hear now that the bandits delivered the body of Army General who died in their custody for the families to bury. We still wait for those who received the body to know who they are. We hear of ridiculous demands made by the bandits. It is becoming more difficult to understand what is going on in our country,” Martins said.

Martins urged the federal government to empower all security agencies including the Police so that they can face the risks associated with their profession. He stressed that everyone is tired and for that reason, the government at all levels and security agencies should do more and give “our Eminence the gift of a birthday celebration that is worthy of a man who has done so much to impact lives.”

He also called on Nigerians to continue to pray for those in authority, especially those who have the responsibility of securing lives and property, adding that prayer answers so many things.

Those who brought their goodwill messages include His Holiness, Pope Leo 14th which was read by Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Michael Francis Crotty; President of CBCN, and Archbishop of Kaduna, His Grace Most Rev’d Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso; Archbishop of Benin, Most Rev’d Augustine Obiora Akubeze; and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, among others.