The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Reverend Adewale Martins, in this interview with SEYI SOKOYA, speaks about life at 60, the church and national issues.
You clocked 60 recently, would you say that you are fulfilled, even as a priest?
I have been a priest since 1983 and I have vividly experienced God in my life over the years. I was ordained as a priest along with eight persons at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos, and since then, I have tried to put in my best in serving God. By the grace of God, I think I have done the best I can. As far as I can say, the priesthood journey has been pleasant and fruitful. This doesn’t mean that there have not been challenges or difficulties. The priesthood didn’t bring me difficulties, but other factors around me did.
Was there a time you almost decided to quit priesthood?
No, there was no such time. On the contrary, I have been challenged to do more by several experiences, several people and several works I have had to do. Like I said earlier, there have been challenges, but it is in reference to the fact that in the process of work, there will always be problems with people. Beyond that, it has been a wonderful 36 years of work in the vineyard.
Before one becomes a priest, you will go to the seminary. Naturally, there were times I asked myself if it was what I truly wanted to do. But my parents and priests were there for me and supported my path in life. With the help of people, I was able to weather the storm then and I don’t have regrets.
How did you develop interest in the priesthood?
My parents were core Catholics. I think that was one of the privileges God gave me, as it made my journey smooth. In my family, we had to practice the faith as a child and our parents encouraged us. Before missionary schools (some of the schools had been returned to the missionaries) were taken by the government, my parents were teachers at Catholic schools.
Working in Catholic schools meant that my parents’ works formed a major part of their lives. They also demonstrated their faith in their day-to-day activities, which positively influenced the children. In my house, as a boy, you must be an altar boy. If you were a girl, you must join the choir. We were close to the church while growing up.
How did your parents react the first time you told them that you didn’t intend to marry?
Everyone knows that a priest doesn’t get married; it is part of the doctrine of the Catholic priesthood and that is well understood. It wasn’t an issue for them that I wouldn’t give them grandchildren. For my parents, they were more excited about having a priest as a son. My parents took my decision very well. I think it is important to continue to let people understand that parents need to have a serious interest in their children, otherwise, they will grow up and become problems. Children develop their characters from the instructions they received as kids.
I actually have another brother who went to the minor seminary school with me. It was like a secondary school; a preparatory towards becoming a priest. However, at some point, he decided to quit and I continued. I have two sisters and two brothers; I am the third child.
There is an impression I also want to correct – being a priest doesn’t necessarily mean you are not part of the world. As a matter of fact, knowing or being aware of the happenings in the world is part of the experiences needed as a priest. The important thing for one is to ensure that you don’t get involved in those worldly things because it will make you forget the essence and purpose of life.
At 60, are you satisfied with all you’ve done in life?
I am still running the race and at the end, I hope to be able to stand before God and say I have done what He asked me to do. But at this moment, I am still eager to do things God had sent me into the world to do. As for being happy, I am satisfied with what I am doing. The grace of God has kept me alive for 60 years. This was why I had to deliberately celebrate it with the underprivileged. We visited the old people’s home, we had an interaction with students and young people and we went to Mother Teresa’s Home for the Handicapped. We also had a musical evening and a thanksgiving mass on the day of my birthday itself. The celebration ran for days.
Given another chance, what would you do differently?
If we take it from the angle of the family, I am happy with the family God has blessed me with. As a Christian too, I feel that I am on the path of God’s kingdom. As a Nigerian, I can be happier. Given another chance, I wouldn’t do anything differently. But, of course, I would love my country to be better than it is today.
What was your growing up like?
I was born in Abeokuta, Ogun State, at the Sacred Heart Hospital. I attended St Augustine Catholic Primary School in Abeokuta as a boarding student before proceeding to St Theresa Minor Seminary in Oke-Are, Ibadan. I then had my priesthood training at SS Peter and Paul Major Seminary in Ibadan.
At what point did you relocate to Lagos?
At a time, Abeokuta was part and parcel of the Lagos Archdiocese. Since I wanted to become a priest, I was always coming to Lagos at different times. I was ordained a priest in Lagos and when the Abeokuta Diocese was created, I was appointed as the bishop. After Anthony Cardinal Okogie retried, I was transferred to Lagos as the archbishop.
Did you have premonition that you would replace Okogie as the Archbishop of Lagos?
I didn’t have an idea; I was happy with the work I was doing in Abeokuta. By the grace of God, I was one of the priests that started the Abeokuta diocese and everyone was in love with what we were doing. It never occurred to me that I could be moved to Lagos after the cardinal retried. When I was called and informed, I had no choice but to accept it. I felt it had to be God’s will for me and God was behind everything.
How has it been as the Archbishop of Lagos?
No doubt, the Abeokuta Diocese is small compared to Lagos. We have fewer priests, not to talk of population. When I came to Lagos, naturally, I was a bit concerned about how things would unfold. It was a new place and challenge for me. Also, all my predecessors did well and I needed to fill in those shoes. But I asked God to make my own shoes for me, rather than making me wear the shoes of my predecessors. My predecessors were accomplished in their own ways and there was no way I could be like them. Certainly, there were concerns, but I was sure God would be there for me.
What are the specific challenges you are facing?
The Lagos Archdiocese doesn’t have enough priests to care for the large population we have. We also need more funds in order to carry out all the obligations needed. People always say there is money in Lagos, but the fact of the matter is that the bigger the head, the bigger the headache. These are some of the constraints we face, but we are constantly thinking of solutions and praying to God to show us the way out, particularly with regard to our size. We consult with people on how to manage our present numerical strength.
But it is believed that the church makes a lot of money. What is your position on this?
That is relative. The church doesn’t have the money that the government or oil companies have and the church depends on the generosity of the people to survive. Also, when people give the church money, we try to manage the funds and accomplish things with a lesser amount.
Are you satisfied with President Muhammadu Buhari’s agenda for the new administration?
I am aware that he said he would correct some of the shortcomings in his last tenure and we are all looking forward to that. This is democracy and leaders are elected by the people. We had general elections recently and people from different levels of government were announced as winners by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). All I will say is that our leaders must recognise the fact that they are indebted to the people who elected them. These people deserve good lives. Our leaders should also know that they must carry out their duties without sentiments.
How do you relax?
I always look for time to relax and I like seeing movies, but I have not succeeded much in visiting the gym. Also, I like to listen to music; I don’t think there is anyone who doesn’t like music. I like country music and I listen to a lot of religious music because it helps to build one’s faith.
What is the philosophy that guides you?
I think that whatever we have, it is because we are enjoying the grace of God in our lives. We need to glorify God in whatever we do, say and behave.