By Olivia Obijiaku
The Local Ordinary of the Catholic Diocese of Zaria, Most Rev. Dr. Habila Tyiakonaboi Daboh inaugurated the Boards for the management of two diocesan facilities: St. Martin De Porres Hospital Wusasa, Zaria, with Prof. Sunday A. Edaigbini as the chairman; and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Pastoral Center, Graceland, Zaria, with Mr. Joseph Nashakyaa as the chairman. The inauguration took place during the Mass at Seat of Wisdom Catholic Chaplaincy, Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Gaskiya, on Good Shepherd Sunday, April 26, 2026.
The Mass was also offered in thanksgiving to God for the latest graduates of National Diploma and Higher National Diploma of the Polytechnic, whom he charged to live a life of integrity in the society that they were about to step into. He pointed them to challenges that await them in the society, imploring them not to lose hope in such situations, but to follow after the Good Shepherd, who leads to green pastures.
Prior to their inauguration, the bishop sensitized members of the boards on the sacred duties they were about to saddled with, reminding them of the need to place the needs of people over financial gains, because everyone they would encounter is Christ in need. He specifically urged those who will oversee the affairs of the Pastoral Center, to sustain the place as one of encounter with God.
His Lordship said, “My dear Board members, your responsibility is not small; it is sacred. Jesus calls you to something higher: to be shepherds after His own heart. The hospital you will oversee is not only a structure of beds and equipment; it is a place where human pain meets Christian compassion. Every patient who walks in is not just a case file, but Christ in distressing disguise. You will be tempted to prioritize profit over people, convenience over conscience; influence over integrity. Resist it. I like the money and the profit, but I prefer saving lives.”
“The same applies to the Pastoral Centre Board members. Yes, the Centre may generate income, host events, and provide services. But never forget: it is, above all, a pastoral space, a place where people should encounter God, find rest, and grow in community. Do not allow it to lose its soul in the pursuit of success. There will be moments when doing the right thing will cost you, perhaps financially, perhaps socially. Integrity is not always easy, but it is always fruitful.”
To the graduating students, he said, “Today is your day of joy, and rightly so. You have worked hard, you have persevered, and we celebrate you. But the real test begins now. The world you are entering, especially in our Nigerian context, is not always fair. You may send out applications and receive no reply. You may see others prosper through dishonest means. You may feel pressure to ‘adjust’ your values. You will hear phrases like: ‘This is how things are done,’ or ‘If you don’t play along, you will be left behind.’ Be careful. Not every open door is from God. Let the fear of God guide you more than the fear of men. Be transparent. Be accountable.”
“My dear young people, your character is your greatest certificate. Do not trade it for temporary gain. Think of your life like a building. The foundation is hidden, but it determines everything. If your foundation, your faith, your values, your discipline, is weak, the structure will not stand. Build slowly, but build well. And when life becomes difficult, and it will, remember the Good Shepherd. Sometimes He leads through valleys before bringing us to green pastures. Do not lose hope. Stay with Him. When no one is watching, remember, God is.”
Bishop Daboh acknowledged the sacrifices that the parents of the celebrants made for their children, even as he reminded them their children still need them, not only for provision of material needs, but also for exemplary life, encouragement, prayer, and sustenance of their Christian identity.
