Christmas: Ndagoso Preaches Hope, Urges Support For Farmers

Catholic Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, has called on Nigerians not to lose hope despite the worsening insecurity and economic hardship across the country.

He said the message of Christmas remains God’s assurance that all is not lost.

The archbishop, who made the call in his 2025 Christmas message, said the birth of Jesus Christ represents God’s decisive response to the cries of a distressed people, noting that Christmas is the fulfilment of the biblical plea for God to rescue humanity.

Drawing parallels between ancient Israel and present-day Nigeria, Ndagoso said fear has gripped the nation, with kidnappings, banditry, terrorism and violent crime making it difficult for families to reunite during what should be a joyful festive season.

He lamented that many Nigerians, including those in the diaspora did not travel home for the Christmas and New Year celebrations because to insecurity, describing the situation as a painful contradiction to the true spirit of the season.

The church leader urged Christians to remain confident in divine intervention, stressing that God’s entry into human history through the incarnation proves that no situation is beyond redemption.

Ndagoso added that Christmas offers hope that hearts hardened by selfishness, corruption, tribalism, religious bigotry and violence can be transformed, and that those who make life unbearable for others can experience a change of heart.

He called on governments at all levels, entrusted with the constitutional duty of securing lives and property, to rise to the challenge, urging leaders to reassure citizens and restore confidence in line with the biblical mandate to strengthen fearful hearts.

The Archbishop also appealed for compassion towards the most vulnerable, including internally displaced persons, prisoners, the sick, the homeless and those in captivity, specifically mentioning abducted priests and others held by criminal groups.

Commenting on economic challenges, Ndagoso expressed concern over government policies that have crippled small businesses, while expressing hope that the new tax law expected in 2026 would ease the burden on low-income earners and entrepreneurs.

He thanked Nigerian farmers for their courage in cultivating crops despite insecurity, noting reports of good harvests in many areas, which he described as a blessing after months of food scarcity and high prices.

However, he warned that the joy of bumper harvests is being eroded by the crash in prices of grains and other produce, leaving farmers unable to recover the high cost of fertilisers and farm inputs.

The Archbishop called on governments at all levels to intervene by buying produce at fair prices and preventing farmers from being exploited by middlemen, warning that neglecting farmers could endanger national food security.

He further cautioned farmers against making waste and distress sales during festive celebrations, urging them to exercise prudence and moderation, while wishing Nigerians a peaceful Christmas and a New Year filled with renewed hope and joy.