By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
The National President of the Saint James Seminary Old Boys’ Association (SAJSOBA), Rev. Fr. Paul Utser, has called on Nigerians to promote unity, integrity, justice, peace and responsible citizenship as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
Fr. Utser made the call in his Independence Day address to members of the association on Thursday, October 1, 2026, in which he also commemorated the Solemnity of Our Lady, Queen and Patroness of Nigeria.
He described the anniversary as an opportunity not only for celebration but also for a “national examination of conscience,” urging Nigerians to reflect on the country they are building and the nation they intend to hand over to future generations.
Quoting themes from Proverbs 14:34, the SAJSOBA president said Nigeria’s progress depended on citizens embracing honesty, discipline, justice, compassion, hard work and respect for the dignity of every person.
According to him, the responsibility for Nigeria’s development rests on every citizen, including members of SAJSOBA, whose association’s constitution commits them to discipline, integrity, service, national awareness, peace, loyalty and unity.
He challenged members of the association to examine their individual contributions to society, asking whether they were promoting unity or division, acting with integrity in their professional and public responsibilities, promoting peace and helping vulnerable people and creating opportunities for others.
Fr. Utser stressed that the association’s motto, Ut Omnes Unum Sint — “That all may be one” — should guide members both within SAJSOBA and in their contribution to national development.
He said Nigeria’s greatness could not be achieved through ethnic, political or religious antagonism, but through cooperation, justice and commitment to the common good.
“As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, let us reject division and despair. Our challenges are serious, but they are not insurmountable,” he said.
The SAJSOBA president also called for prayers for Nigeria, invoking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Nigeria, for security, peace, wise leadership, justice and reconciliation.
He urged Nigerians to complement their prayers with action, stressing that faith must be accompanied by honest work, responsible citizenship, compassion for the vulnerable and commitment to justice.
Remembers Sick, Bereaved Members
The SAJSOBA president also used the occasion to express solidarity with members who are ill and families who have recently lost loved ones.
He particularly mourned the death of Mr. Kenneth Gbuuga of Set 1994, praying for God’s consolation for his family, classmates and friends, as well as eternal rest for him and other departed members of the association.
He said the association would continue to strengthen cooperation, solidarity and fraternity among members.
Masses Planned for Deceased Old Boys
Fr. Utser disclosed that the SAJSOBA National Executive Council, at its quarterly meeting on September 27, resolved to continue its annual practice of requesting Masses for the repose of deceased Old Boys on All Souls’ Day, holding on November 2nd.
He maintained that Masses would be requested in five locations including Gboko, Makurdi, Otukpo, Abuja and Lagos State to enable members to participate in the commemoration.
According to him, Mr. Francis Abuul of Set 1993 would coordinate the observance, working with members in the respective locations to provide details of churches and Mass times.
He encouraged members around the five locations to participate in the Masses, noting that Christian brotherhood remains meaningful even after death.
End-of-Year Celebration
The SAJSOBA National President further announced plans for an end-of-year celebration in December.
He said the organising committee, date and venue would be announced in due course, adding that the event would provide an opportunity for members to renew old friendships and give thanks to God for His guidance throughout the year.
Fr. Utser urged renewed commitment to building a better Nigeria, noting that every act of integrity, reconciliation, mentorship and resistance to injustice contributes to national development.
