For Reverend Alfred Adewale Martins, it is a countdown to 40 years of service as a visionary shepherd. He has continued to stand out as a beacon of faith, compassion, leadership and selflessness in Nigeria’s Catholic Church. These and many more virtues would be highlighted as he marks the momentous occasion of his priestly ordination anniversary alongside his 25th Episcopal Ordination Anniversary in September 2023.
   
Forty years gone by and the strides that Archbishop Martins has significantly accomplished can be recalled. He began his ministry at Gregory’s College, Obalende and went on to work as the Assistant Administrator of Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos. From there, he worked at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Makoko. His journey took a whole new turn when he was seconded as a formator to Saints Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, aiding him in delving more into the academia.
  
Martins’ commitment to education and formation of future leaders has been instrumental in shaping the future of the Church in Nigeria. He understands the importance of investing in the intellectual and spiritual growth of young people, empowering them to be effective witnesses of the Gospel in the modern world.
  
He has in his own way shown that social media can be a means of evangelisation and reaching out to the world. His Lenten talks, monthly goodwill messages and online streams have indeed made flesh the injunction to go into the world and make disciples of all nations.
  
He has used this platform to reach out to the faithful, engaging them in meaningful dialogue and fostering a sense of community. His use of technology to evangelise reflects his understanding of the importance of meeting people where they are and using contemporary means to spread the timeless message of the Gospel.
  
Born on June 1, 1959, in the rocky city of Abeokuta and nurtured within the embrace of the devout family of Gregory and Victoria Martins, Archbishop Martins’ early years were marked by a deep commitment to his faith and a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. He rose to become a guiding force in the spiritual journey of countless souls. From the visible innocence and simplicity of childhood, we see a transformation into a vessel embodied with grace that now and in time to come serves as a beacon of light, hope and faith.
  
His life is one that unfurls with exceptional beginnings. His unwavering devotion to God, his undeviating faith and relentless determination led him on a journey of education and formation, which culminated in his Priestly Ordination on September 18, 1983 by Anthony Cardinal Okogie, the then Archbishop of Lagos.
  
In his pursuit for more knowledge, he bagged a Master’s degree from the University of Ibadan and went on to pursue a doctorate degree in St. Andrew University, Scotland. While the doctorate degree was in view, his call to the episcopacy arrived and he became the premier bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta.
  
Spending 14 years as the Bishop of Abeokuta, he brought significant growth and development to the diocese. Assuming the office with eleven priests and nine parishes, Archbishop Martins worked tirelessly and assiduously to grow the diocese and saw the creation of not less than 15 parishes within his time there. In 2012, providence brought him back home.
  
Like a heavenly herald, his name Adewale became a constant reminder of the mantle he would bear and on the 4th of August 2012, he was installed as the Archbishop of Lagos and indeed, “the crown had come home”. Eleven years have passed by and the growth and development in the Archdiocese of Lagos speaks volume.
  
Throughout his ministry, Archbishop Martins’ dedication to the spread of the Gospel message has been unwavering. His sermons are marked by profound insights, delivered with humility and grace. He retains a unique ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds, drawing them closer to the heart of Christ and inspiring them to embrace a life of service and love.
  
As Archbishop of Lagos, he has been a visionary, implementing innovative programmes and initiatives to revitalise the faith of the community and engage the youths in meaningful ways.
  
Indeed, it can be said that his legacy is one of faith, hope and love and this legacy extends beyond the walls of the Church he serves. His vision for a just and compassionate society, rooted in the Gospel values of peace, love and solidarity inspires others to work for the common good and strive for a more inclusive and harmonious world that seeks and promotes holiness of life. It becomes pertinent to say that a reflection on his life and ministry reminds us of the words of Jesus in John 10:10, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly”.
  
Martins’ life and ministry inspires all to embrace the Gospel values of love, justice and mercy and to strive for a more just and compassionate world. His humility, compassion and visionary leadership have left an indelible mark on the Church and society and calls for us to strive for a world where God’s love and justice reign.
  
On the occasion of his 40th Priestly Ordination Anniversary and his 25th Episcopal Ordination Anniversary, people all over the world are celebrating this momentous occasion and extending their gratitude for his visionary leadership and compassionate shepherding as they wish him more of God’s grace and strength to shepherd the flock of God.