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‘Palm Sunday’: Catholic Archbishop Urges Humility, Peace
The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Adewale Martins yesterday urged Christians to live peaceful and humble lives as taught by Jesus Christ’s symbolic entry into Jerusalem.
Martins made the appeal while delivering a sermon at the Holy Cross Cathedral in Obalende, Lagos, to celebrate this year’s Palm Sunday.
The Tide News source report that Christians celebrate the event every Sunday preceding Easter in remembrance of Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
He urged Christians to always conduct themselves peacefully as Christ’s followers.
Martins said that Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem as the Prince of Peace and not a war-waging king.
“Palm Sunday is marked with the distribution of palm leaves, often tied into crosses to the assembled worshippers.
“Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem on a donkey is depicted in an early 1900’s Bible card illustration.
“The church re-enacts or celebrates Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem to accomplish His paschal mystery. Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem was recorded in the four gospels.
“Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem; the celebrating people spread their cloaks on the road while others cut branches from palm trees and spread them on the road,’’ he explained.
The Director of Social Communication, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Msgr. Gabriel Osu, told newsmen after the service that Palm Sunday was a call for everyone to follow the spiritual path as Christ did.
According to him, if we are not willing to acknowledge sin as sin, and just ignore it, we are stuck outside the door of God’s mercy.
“There will be a day when every knee will bow and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord.
“The Jews of course expected a literal king to restore the kingdom of Israel, not realising that his kingdom was spiritual — his kingdom on earth is the church.
“Let us examine two major symbols, starting with the donkey. The donkey represents the lowest natural desires of any person.
“What this means is that for one to enter the house of God, one must subordinate one’s natural desires to that of God by repenting of our sins.
“Palm trees were used in rituals from ancient times. It was one of the trees used in the Jewish feast of tabernacles.
“The palm tree signifies a spiritual affection for the truth. It means living the truth of the word of God,’’ he told newsmen.
He said that for the over two billion Christians across the globe, including himself, the day, Palm Sunday, was a very special one for all.
“It is very special for the following reasons. It is the day we celebrate the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, one week before His resurrection.
“It marks the start of what is often called “Passion Week’’, the final seven days of Jesus’ earthly ministry; the day is the “beginning of the end of Jesus’ work on earth.’’
He said that Palm Sunday began with Jesus and His disciples travelling over the Mount of Olives.
Also speaking, the Parish Priest of Saint Timothy and Titus Catholic Church, Isheri, Rev. Fr. Kelvin Okuoma, urged leaders in the country to emulate Jesus Christ’s teachings of service and humility.
“Jesus showed humility even unto death for the benefit of humanity, not minding he was mocked and shamed, he still asked God to forgive those who tortured and killed him.
He said that the triumphant entry of Christ into Jerusalem which led to the festival of Easter showed that when Nigerians believed in Him, they would be victorious no matter the obstacles.
“This week is considered the most holy of all the weeks during the church year; Christians should deeply ponder on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ during this sacred period.
“If we cannot forgive those who offended us and make peace with them, our prayers and fasting during this Lenten period will be meaningless and useless,’’ he said.
At the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Gowon Estate, Ipaja, Rev. Fr. Sebastian Akponan, urged Christians to show forgiveness to one another, just as Christ forgives those who tortured and killed him.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene