As hundreds of Catholic faithful gathered in Abuja for a rosary procession, a powerful message was delivered by the catholic priest—not just in prayer, but as a cry for help on behalf of Nigeria’s suffering citizens.
The event, held on Friday evening, brought together members of the Catholic Church from across the Federal Capital Territory. Participants came from parishes as far as Nyanya, Gwagwalada, Kubwa, Kuje, and beyond, marching prayerfully from the Police Chaplaincy in Area 3 to Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama.
Led by Father Sylvanus A., Director of Radio Maria Nigeria and Chairman of the Planning Committee, the procession was peaceful and spiritual. But amid the recitation of the “Hail Mary” and chants of devotion, the priest’s message rang loud and clear: Nigeria is on the edge, and if urgent action is not taken, the consequences could be severe.
“When hunger goes beyond a certain limit, you can’t control people,” Father Sylvanus declared with passion and concern. “We keep telling our leaders: do something. There are enough resources in this country to take care of everyone. Why are the poor still suffering?”
He described how many of the participants in the procession had come on empty stomachs, yet still walked for hours in the heat, praying for peace and relief. “Among these people, I can tell you, some are going back home tonight without any food,” he said. “Some didn’t even eat this afternoon because the cost of food is now beyond their reach. Yet they are here—because they believe prayer can move mountains.”
The rosary procession, which is part of the Catholic Church’s annual May devotion, is traditionally organized at the parish level. However, this year’s event was elevated to the Archdiocesan level, under the coordination of Radio Maria Nigeria, a faith-based radio station dedicated to spreading Christian values and messages of hope. Worshippers, including priests, religious sisters, youth groups, and lay faithful, walked together through the city, chanting prayers, singing hymns, and holding up images of the Virgin Mary.
For many, it was not just a religious gathering—it was an emotional outlet and a spiritual lifeline. “We are praying for Nigeria,” said Mrs. Cecilia Okeke, a mother of four who came from Kubwa. “The pain is too much. Everything is expensive. Feeding your family now is a miracle. So, we turn to God. That’s all we can do.”
Father Sylvanus used the opportunity to draw attention to the growing gap between Nigeria’s political elite and its struggling citizens. He criticized those in power who, according to him, are more focused on the 2027 general elections than on solving the current problems facing the people. “2027 is still far away, but look at how desperate they are already,” he said. “People are dying of hunger today, but those in power are more concerned about the next election. This is unacceptable.”
He warned that the combination of poverty, hunger, and neglect could spark serious unrest in the country. “We keep telling people to be patient. But when hunger reaches a level where people can’t feed their children, patience runs out. We must stop playing with fire.”
Despite the harsh tone of his warning, Father Sylvanus ended his message with a word of encouragement. He urged Nigerians not to lose hope and to continue praying and working for a better nation. “Yes, we are tired. Yes, we are frustrated. But we must not lose hope. God hears our prayers. We believe that one day, things will turn around.”
Also present at the event was Mr. Den Tallen, a papal knight and respected Catholic lay leader. He echoed the call for unity and responsibility, urging both leaders and citizens to do their part in building a better country. “We cannot leave everything to the government. Citizens too must play their part. Let us promote peace, live in love, and support one another in these difficult times,” he said.
The success of the procession was largely attributed to the efforts of Radio Maria Nigeria. Father Sylvanus, as director of the station, explained that their goal goes beyond broadcasting. “This is more than just media work,” he said. “It’s about bringing people together, helping them connect with God, and giving them a voice in times of crisis.”
According to him, the rosary procession will now be held annually at the Archdiocesan level, following the consecration of the Archdiocese to the Blessed Virgin Mary last year. He expressed confidence that the prayers offered during the event would not go unanswered.
As the crowd slowly dispersed after hours of walking and praying, one thing was clear: while faith remains the anchor for many Nigerians, there is an urgent need for responsive leadership. “Prayer is powerful,” Father Sylvanus said once more, “but action must follow. We ask our leaders—please do something. Hunger is a national emergency. And when hunger strikes, you can’t control people.”
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