Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius Kaigama says military weapons, equipment and professional competence alone cannot provide the ultimate strength required to overcome challenges.
He spoke at the dedication of Corpus Christi Catholic Church,Navy Estate Asokoro, Abuja on Friday.
Kaigama in his homily said, “Your strength does not come solely from your training, discipline, weapons or professional competence. All the weapons you have, including submarines and other equipment used in warfare, are important, but they cannot save you.
“A person can be physically strong and professionally accomplished yet spiritually weak. You may know how to handle a bomb or launch a missile capable of travelling great distances to destroy targets, but you can still be spiritually weak. That is why we constantly remind ourselves of the importance of spiritual strength.”
He urged Nigerian Navy officers and ratings to strengthen their relationship with God, noting that spiritual discipline remains essential to building morally upright and responsible military personnel.
The bishop commended the Nigerian Navy for promoting religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence through the provision of worship facilities for Catholic, Protestant and Muslim personnel.
He described the arrangement as a positive example of religious harmony within the Armed Forces, stressing that differences in religious beliefs should never become reasons for hostility or division.
He urged the Naval Chaplaincy to sustain its commitment to spiritual care, pastoral counselling, family support and interfaith understanding, describing the church as a spiritual harbour where personnel can find peace, hope and strength.
The bishop also took a swipe at the nation’s epileptic power supply calling political leaders to fix electricity problems in the country.
He said, “Today is not an accident; it is providential. Do not mind what NEPA tried to do to us at the beginning.
NEPA will always strike. No matter how well prepared you are, NEPA knows how to attack. I was therefore surprised that it also affects you. I thought it only troubled us civilians. Mighty NEPA, when will you be able to provide us with uninterrupted electricity for 24 hours?
“We hope that one day this will become possible. We pray so, and we appeal to our leaders to make it happen,”.
He lamented that even in smaller countries he visited recently, such as Equatorial Guinea, Saudi Arabia and other places, people enjoy a stable electricity supply.
“Why should Nigeria be an exception?Anyway, that is not what brought me here. I am speaking because elections are approaching. Perhaps there is a politician here who will hear what I am saying and convey the message. If they are not here, may God speak directly to their hearts so that they will do what is necessary,”.
Earlier, the Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Idi Abbas represented by the Director of Administration, Rear Admiral Adedokun Siyanbade said the dedication of the church was more than just the completion of a magnificent place of worship.
He said it was a celebration of an enduring partnership between faith and service, spiritual strength and military duty, institutional commitment and human welfare.
He said “The Nigerian Navy recognises that the strength of any fighting force lies not only in its ships, weapons and operational capability, but also in the character and discipline, resilience and moral conviction of its personnel. While military training prepares the body and mind for battle, faith strengthens the human spirit to confront adversity with courage, integrity and hope. It is in this and with this understanding that the Nigerian Navy continues to support the spiritual and moral development of its personnel and their families, irrespective of religious affiliation.”