The Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Nigeria has a new head.
He is Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, formerly of the Jos Diocese.
He takes over from Cardinal John Onaiyekan, who retired recently at the age of 75.
Kaigama, who hails from Taraba State, was inaugurated on December 5 in Abuja.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Antonio Filipazzi, had recently announced the choice of Kaigama on behalf of Pope Francis.
Kaigama, a native of Taraba State, was born on July 31, 1958. He was ordained in June 1981 after studying for priesthood at St Augustine’s Seminary in Jos, Plateau State.
He was the first bishop of Jalingo Diocese and was appointed Archbishop of Jos in 2000.
He served as President of Nigeria Bishops Conference between 2012 and 2018 and President of Episcopal Conference of West Africa Catholic Bishops.
Kaigama said he would fight against social ills and other challenges confronting the country.
“We are the hope of Nigeria. So many things have gone wrong, but we cannot just and pray,” he said.
“We have to go beyond prayers because faith and action go together. We have to mobilise our people to be integrated and work genuinely for the progress of Nigeria and the happiness of our people.
“I am not going to be hunting for problems but when they come, I will do my best to tackle them with my priestly character and identity.
“I will not be idle, I will always be doing something for church, attacking ills, social vices, and anything that will not be helpful to the development of Nigeria.”
On his part, Onaiyekan said despite his retirement he would continue to speak out against all forms of oppression in Nigeria.
He expressed confidence in the ability of Kaigama to lead the Archdiocese, which comprises of Catholic churches in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nasarawa, Benue and Kogi States.
He said, “I am confident in the abilities of my successor to lead the Archdiocese to the next level of development.
“There were no elections to determine who will succeed me. There were no campaigning and lobbying. His (Kaigama) appointment was simply in line with the Church practice.”
Onaiyekan enjoined governments at all level to give priority to social justice.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with Kaigama on his appointment.
Presidential spokesperson, Femi Adesina, in a statement, said the president wished the archbishop well on his new assignment.
“I rejoiced with you on your appointment as the Archbishop of Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja by the Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis,” the statement said.
“With your pedigree as a priest and administrator, I have no doubt that you will make an impression success of your new office.
“Your background as immediate past President of Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, former Archbishop of Jos, former President of Episcopal Conference of West Africa Catholic Bishops, and former Chairman, Plateau State Inter-religious Committee for Peace, among others, will stand you in good stead in the new assignment.
“You have always promoted peace, inter-faith dialogue, and mutual understanding between religions. I wish you great success and higher strides as the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja.”