— Says there is no future without the child
By Olivia Obijiaku
The Local Ordinary of the Catholic Diocese of Zaria, Most Rev Dr Habila Tyiakonaboi Daboh celebrated his first Mass of Chrism in Christ the King Cathedral (CKCC) Sabo Gari Zaria, Thursday, 28th March, 2024 declaring emergency in the education section. He explained that his decision was prompted by what he observed going round the deaneries and parishes.
His Lordship thanked the faithful for the support he received from them at the cathedraticum in their respective deaneries and disclosed that he would use it for the education of his children in the rural areas.
“I have declared education a state of emergency in the diocese of Zaria.” He informed his flock. “Rumi and Danladi deaneries have problem with schools. They are left behind. There is no good education for our children. And so, we are trying as a church to see what we can do for our children.
I have a lot of things to do with money in my house but I cannot say I want to make a comfortable place to live as a bishop while my children in the rural areas cannot go to school. That is not fair. We cannot remain here especially those who are in urban area and leave them without good schools. We may be comfortable. We may think that it is good for us but we have our brothers and sisters in the villages.
Without our children we cannot boast that we have a life. When we are old, they are the ones to look after us. If we do not look after them today, their tomorrow will be disastrous and it will affect us. I encourage all of us to do what we can do to move our diocese forward. So it is my responsibility, it is your responsibility. No matter the little we have we have to move forward. The priests are committed. They are ready to move forward. So, my dear brothers and sisters, may God keep us alive and give us all we need to take of our children.”
Speaking on his “first Chrism Mass as a bishop.” He revealed that, “It gives me joy not because I have been made a bishop but because I have people who have come to celebrate with us. Your presence here encourages us because today is our day – the birthday of the Catholic priesthood. I want to thank God for the opportunity to stand here before you as your chief shepherd. This time last year, I renewed my promise with the priests of Kaduna Archdiocese, no idea where the wind of change will blow me to. Today, this is where God has planted me and I have found a home among you both the priests and the lay faithful. I have no doubts in my mind that this journey that we have started will be a joyful one though not without obstacles, manmade and situational circumstances. But I know that the God who brought us together will help us navigate and find a path of progress in the midst of all the obstacles.”
Bishop Daboh charged the priests to use their offices, hands and hearts for things that edify and for the salvation of souls even as called on the faithful to keep supporting and praying for them.
