Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Archdiocese, is calling for the establishment of a Ministry of Family Affairs to address the challenges faced by families and to foster a more secure and cohesive society.
Speaking at the opening of the 4th Abuja Archdiocesan General Assembly, Mr. Kaigama emphasized the need for a dedicated ministry to address the difficulties encountered by families in contemporary society, under the theme “Marriage and Family in Contemporary Society.”
He highlighted the myriad challenges faced by marriages and Christian families in today’s society, including the pervasive impact of secularism, social media influence, materialism, consumerism, and relativism. These challenges have led to a rise in broken homes and single parenting, posing significant societal implications.
Mr. Kaigama underscored the importance of upholding traditional Christian values within families, acknowledging the struggle that many face in the midst of these modern-day challenges.
He expressed concern over the increasing confusion surrounding the meaning of marriage and family life, emphasizing the pivotal role of the family as the fundamental unit of society. Mr. Kaigama stressed that the strength and stability of a nation are intrinsically linked to the well-being of its families.
According to him, “A nation’s strength is contingent upon the strength of its families. Conversely, a nation is weakened when its families are in disarray, plagued by moral degeneration.”
He called for the adoption of policies aimed at safeguarding and promoting the family as an incubator of social virtues, amidst the predominant national discourse on politics, governance, economy, and climate change.
Mr. Kaigama emphasized the necessity of empowering and supporting families through sustainable entrepreneurial initiatives, citing examples from other countries where the government provides incentives for childbirth, parental leave, and family allowances.
He advocated for the establishment of a dedicated ministry focused on addressing the needs of the family, emphasizing the imperative role of the family in upholding societal ethos.
Addressing the societal challenges, he also expressed hope that the five billion Naira palliative allocated to each state and the FCT, aimed at offsetting the effects of the fuel subsidy removal, as well as the N25,000 monthly grant designated for 15 million struggling Nigerian families from October – December 2023, will effectively reach the intended beneficiaries.
Moreover, he urged the government to delve into the root causes of family breakdown, divorce, domestic violence, and inadequate care for the sick and elderly, with a view to proffering lasting solutions.
Mr. Kaigama stressed the importance of instilling patriotism and law-abiding values within families, expressing concerns over the involvement of young people in criminal activities such as violence, cybercrime, and kidnapping, often manipulated by malevolent forces.
The Archbishop’s call for the establishment of a Ministry of Family Affairs resonates with the fundamental need to prioritize and strengthen the foundational fabric of society—families. It underscores the urgency for a holistic approach to address the multifaceted challenges faced by families and the pivotal role they play in shaping a cohesive and prosperous nation.
