Vatican envoy blames Nigeria’s insecurity on divisions

The Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelisation at the Vatican, Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, has warned that Nigeria’s insecurity is largely self-inflicted, attributing the country’s persistent violence to deep divisions and growing intolerance. Speaking at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja, during his reception and induction into the Knights of St John International, Nigeria Subordinate, the […]

The Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelisation at the Vatican, Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, has warned that Nigeria’s insecurity is largely self-inflicted, attributing the country’s persistent violence to deep divisions and growing intolerance.

Speaking at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja, during his reception and induction into the Knights of St John International, Nigeria Subordinate, the Vatican envoy urged Nigerians to see diversity as a source of strength rather than conflict.

“Differences are not supposed to be something negative. God made creation with differences, but He also made them to be united,” Archbishop Nwachukwu said.

He stressed that true peace would only come when Nigerians learn to build unity across faith and ethnic lines.

Archbishop Nwachukwu noted that the country’s divisions have turned what should be blessings into sources of pain and insecurity.

“We could have differences according to our languages or ethnic origin, but we should all be able to use these differences to form our beauty in our unity,” he said.

The event, which drew clergy, Knights, and Ladies from across Nigeria, also featured calls for tolerance, peace, and interfaith harmony.

Prof. Remy Uche, Supreme Subordinate President of the Knights of St John International, described the induction of Archbishop Nwachukwu as a symbolic moment for the Order and the Church in Nigeria.

“Today is a special gathering because we are receiving into our order a prelate of high global visibility,” he said, condemning killings in the name of religion.

Florence Chuke, President of the Ladies Auxiliary, Abuja Grand Commandery, lamented that women and children continue to bear the brunt of insecurity in Nigeria.

Very Rev. Fr. Mike Umoh, Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, also highlighted the need for improved communication and collaboration within institutions and communities.