President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday urged church leaders to play an active role in nation-building by paying close attention to the moulding of its members’ character.
Jonathan made the observation in his remarks at a service organised to mark the 30th Episcopal Ordination and Celebration of the Elevation of Cardinal John Onaiyekan as a Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria, Pro-Cathedral, Area 3, Garki, Abuja.
“The Church, the government and the political actors have the same responsibilities and we believe that the Church is at the centre of society building.
“Some of the challenges we face today arise because of the character our people have.
“If the Church moulds the people especially starting from the children, Nigeria will be a better place,” he said.
Jonathan congratulated Onaiyekan on his elevation, describing it is a significant achievement and honour for the clergyman and the nation.
He described the office of a cardinal in the Catholic Church as a position of great responsibility and service to humanity.
While saying that he had been working and interacting with the clergyman since he was Vice President, Jonathan said Onaiyekan came across as a simple, humble and unassuming man of God.