By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

The Catholic Bishop of the Osogbo Diocese, Most Reverend (Dr.) John Akin Oyejola, has charged Nigerian leaders and public office holders to bring hope to the masses amid numerous challenges.

He stated that the Lenten season offers these leaders an opportunity to redirect their lifestyles and focus on issues that can truly provide hope to the people they are meant to serve.

Bishop Oyejola delivered his 2025 Lenten season message to the people of the state, especially to Catholics who traditionally begin the season with the commemoration of Ash Wednesday.

He reminded them on the need to live a selfless life capable of giving Hope to the people by focusing on issues that are beneficial to all and sundry not to a selected few .

The biishop noted that this year’s Lenten message coincided with the jubilee year celebration, serving as a timely reminder of hope, charity, and almsgiving—the very virtues the season calls for.

The cleric urged politicians and other office holders to use this period to repent from both actions and inactions that have failed to bring hope to the people.

“We are in a difficult situation because we have failed to do the right thing,” he remarked.

“Politicians should stop thinking solely of themselves and their pockets; instead, they must abandon selfishness and redirect their efforts toward sustaining the hope earned through Christ’s victory on the cross.”

Oyejola also emphasized that the Lenten season provides a great opportunity to turn away from bad ways and live as people of hope and trust in God.

According to the cleric, Christians are once again reminded to leave behind their former ways and embrace new life of hope .

He charged the catholic faithful to fast for a meal which they will put together to go give to the poor abs the needy at the end of the Lenten season which climax on Easter celebrations.