By Olivia Obijiaku
Newly appointed Parish Priest of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Rev. Fr. Dr. Ezekiel Danlami Tijjani has assured parishioners of his decision to carry them along, charging them not to hesitate in supporting the building of God’s house
The priest who disclosed this during his inaugural speech in the parish, on Sunday, August 3, 2025, intimated that he could not celebrate his first official Mass as the parish priest, the previous Sunday, because Rev Fr. Kingsley Agu MSP, who celebrated his first thanksgiving Mass in the parish on that day. He acknowledged parishioners for the support they gave to the newly ordained.
The new administrator thanked God for his life and for appointing him as the parish priest. He also thanked his predecessor, Rev. Fr. Sebastian Vincent for the good work he did in the parish and for a smooth and hitch free handover, soliciting similar and more support that was given to him from the parishioners.
“I have come to work with you.” The clergyman oriented. “It is not my administration. It is our administration. Together we shall work. And so, my stay here shall be all inclusive. Everybody is respected. Please, try and contribute your quota. Do not sit down there and say, ‘Let us watch father or let us watch the laity council. No, it is our responsibility together.”
He continued, “When somebody comes to a place, three things are likely to happen. It is either a place is improved, maintained or destroyed. The last part is not my portion. I am not here to destroy Our Lady Queen of Peace. But I am here to improve it. Maintaining Our Lady Queen of Peace is the least that I am praying to God that we can do. I cannot do it alone. But with you, I believe that everything is possible.”
“And so, for me, it is when we fall, we fall together. When we rise, we rise together. It is not Fr. Tijjani that is falling or rising, but the entire membership of Our Lady Queen of Peace. So, it is all of us and not myself. That is why I am calling on all of us, please, let us come together. Feel that you are a member of the Church. Your advice, your contribution is welcome. Do not feel belittled. Together, we shall build and improve this chaplaincy.”
“And so, I pledge my total commitment to service to God and to you the chosen people of God. I invite you to be part of the reason why this parish is to be sustained, so that we do not have pitches here and there. I pray that the Holy Spirit will lead us and grant us all that is good, and that at the end, the Name of God will be glorified.”
Fr. Tijjani invited those with grudges to embrace dialogue and to ask questions. He told them not to keep quiet, assuring them that he will listen to them, just as he believes that the council will do. He kicked against the syndrome of believing that some groups of people are running the affairs of the parish and revering to throwing stones from hideouts. “That should not be found among us.” he added.
