The Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Adewale Martins, on Thursday urged governments to find ways to alleviate the hardship that cashless policy was creating in the country.

According to him, government has good intentions but they have to consider the limitation of the common man “who does not have any alternative”.

Martins spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos at the Celebration of the Day of Consecrated Life of the Religious in Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos at the Saint John Catholic Church, Igando-Ikotun.

He also lamented to NAN on the issue of recent killing of priests by bandits, noting that, the act was becoming unbearable as it was getting rampant.

“I know it is not the government that is doing it but they are not doing enough to ensure the lives of citizens are protected and secured.

“The first requirement of a government is the welfare, protection of lives and properties which is gradually failing.

“We must take proper look at who to vote into power by cross-examining their promises and manifestos before we take our decision,” he said.

The archbishop, however, appealed to everyone to participate in the forthcoming elections instead of causing problems or complaining.

Martins equally urged priests to live exemplary lives of commitment and sacrifice to God.

According to him, the celebration, which takes place annually on the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus, is a great day in the life of Catholics.

He said the feast, which was pioneered by Mary, Joseph and Jesus himself, was a recall to the commitments made during priestly and religious ordination.

“The Holy Family of Mary and Joseph remembered to present Jesus in the temple, whom they saw as a joyous gift that demanded appreciation to God.

“This ritual is what our ministers that received Jesus are called to fullness of life and efforts to attain the joy of heaven.

“We are called to sacrifice our lives as faithful ministers, consecrating ourselves to God as Jesus was presented on this day many years ago.

“This feast allows us to renew the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives as ministers, remembering our vows of obedience and total commitment,” he said.

The Archbishop noted that living a religious life was not easy and so, must be nurtured during such an occasion with thanks to God for accepting the call.

“We are called to a life of meekness, chastity and obedience, a vocation to religious and consecrated life to the service to God and humanity

“As priests we face several difficulties and challenges but as we imitate Jesus, this gives us hope, perseverance and humility.

“We must remember, that it is in the cross of Christ that there is salvation. May our efforts be rewarded at the end but we must work to attain it.

“I urge you to continue to witness faithfully in this mission, despite all the challenges we face.

“Do not lose hope, never allow your light to grow dim,” he said. (NAN)