Nigeria Needs Service-inspired Leaders, Declares Akume

*Catholics urged to apply moral teachings 

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja 

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has said the country required a crop of leaders inspired to offer selfless services to the people.

He said what Nigeria needed at the moment were leaders and citizens whose conscience was guided by values and whose actions were anchored on integrity and compassion. 

Akume’s declaration came just as the National President of the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria, Sir, Ambrose Obioha charged Catholic faithful to be champions of the social values in every sphere of life.

In his speech at the flag-off of the the 2026 Catholic Laity Week in Abuja, yesterday, Akume said faith was not merely a private conviction, but a living commitment that must find expression in social, economic and political life of society.

He said such commitment to values was important at a time when the nation was confronted with complex challenges ranging from economic pressures and social inequalities, to questions of justice, peace and national cohesion.

The SGF, whose speech was read by the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office, Dr. John Ezeamama, said the principles embodied in Catholic social teachings offered a powerful moral compass capable of guiding individuals, communities and institutions towards a more equitable and compassionate society. 

“Nigeria today needs citizens whose conscience is guided by values, whose leadership is inspired by services, and whose actions are anchored in integrity and compassion. 

“The Church has long been a steadfast voice in promoting these values, and the Catholic priests have consistently demonstrated their commitment to the moral and social advancement of our country,” he said.

Welcoming participants, the National President of the Catholic Laity Council, Sir Obioha called on  Catholics across the country to endeavour to put the social teachings of the church into practice in their daily lives.

He said that Catholics were enjoined to go into politics to serve common good and to stand against a corrupt and unjust system.

“This annual Week -long celebration offers us as lay members of the church, a secred moment to pause, reflect and renew our understanding of our mission and responsibilities – not only within the church but also within the broader society in which we live and serve.

“As we begin the celebrations of the 2026 Laity Week, let us remind ourselves that our vocation as Laity extends far beyond the walls of our churches. We are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world as ambassadors of peace, defenders of justice, and agents of transformation,” he said.

Earlier in his Homily the Deputy  Secretary – General/Director Pastoral Agent Department, Very Rev. Fr. Augustine Amamchukwu said that the Catholic church could not fulfill its evangelical mission without the active, informed and courageous participation of the members.