OUR FAITH MUST SERVE THE NATION IN THE NEW YEAR 2026… Fr. Michael Banjo
By Fr. Anthony Adetayo
In his New Year message, “Faith at the Service of the Nation,” Very Rev. Fr. Michael A. Banjo; the Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria challenges Nigerians to let their faith actively transform the society. He argues that true “Divine Filiation” (being children of God) demands concrete responsibility rather than just a private belief.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the Secretariat urges citizens to ensure their faith guides their civic choices. Voters are called to prioritize conscience and the common good, explicitly rejecting ethnic loyalty, religious bias, and divisive rhetoric.
The message emphasizes that national renewal relies on personal integrity. Fr. Banjo condemns the vandalism of public infrastructure as a failure of conscience and calls on professionals to strictly reject bribery and abuse of office. He also issues a “summons to hope” for the youth, urging them to choose discipline and education over the destructive “quick escapes” of drugs and crime.
Ultimately, the message asserts that hope is only credible when it is translated into responsibility, urging all Nigerians to make 2026 a turning point for national renewal.
For the complete message, read the pdf file below.
