Unity Over Rivalry: Archbishop Kaigama Issues Bold ‘Common Good’ Mandate as Lent and Ramadan Converge



​-By Ruben Mario Brodrick 
ABUJA – In a rare and symbolic convergence of the Christian season of Lent and the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama, has challenged Nigerians to move beyond religious competition and unite against the nation's "ticking time bombs" of poverty and unemployment.

​Delivering a powerful homily at the opening Mass of the First Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) on February 22, 2024, the Archbishop described the simultaneous start of both fasts as a "providential reminder" of a shared human destiny.

​Redefining Religion: Service Over Superiority

​The Archbishop pulled no punches regarding the state of interfaith relations in Nigeria. He lamented that many adherents are more concerned with "numerical strength" and claims of holiness than with actual national development.

  • ​The Warning: He cautioned against "unhealthy rivalry" that fuels antagonism and despair.
  • ​The Rethink: He urged both faiths to ask themselves: What is the true meaning of religion?
  • ​The Focus: The goal should be a collective commitment to the common good—prioritizing the poor over religious optics.

​A Critique of Leadership and the 'Power Trap'

​Drawing from the Gospel of Matthew, Kaigama addressed the systemic failure of leadership in Nigeria, criticizing those who seek the "crown without the cross."

​"In our country, we have seen leaders who desire power but not responsibility; power but not transparency and accountability," the Archbishop stated.


​He extended this critique beyond the government, noting that the misuse of authority is a "social virus" affecting parents, employers, and even church leaders who silence the truth to protect their interests.

​The Economic "Time Bomb"

​Archbishop Kaigama highlighted a growing crisis: the desperation of Nigeria’s youth. He shared that he is increasingly inundated with job requests from graduates—a responsibility he insists belongs to the state.

  • ​The Message to Youth: "Channel your requests to those you elected."
  • ​The Warning to Government: He warned that widespread youth unemployment is a "time bomb" that requires urgent, systemic intervention rather than piecemeal charity.

​Looking Toward 2027

​With an eye on the future, the Archbishop expressed hope that the 2027 general elections would be a turning point. He advocated for the credible use of modern electronic systems to ensure the results reflect the genuine will of the people, rather than the interests of the powerful.

​Closing Call to Action

​The Archbishop’s final mandate was simple and universal:

  1. ​Muslims: Common good first.
  2. ​Christians: Common good first.
  3. ​All Nigerians: Common good first.

​He concluded by praying that the season of fasting would lead to a national transformation where integrity is valued over wealth and service is prioritized over power.

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