The Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese, Most Reverend Stephen Dami Mamza, has faulted the implementation of Nigeria’s newly introduced comprehensive tax reforms by the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Bishop Mamza expressed concern that the reforms were rolled out without adequate preparation, public enlightenment, or proper sensitisation to help Nigerians understand their purpose, benefits, and long-term implications.
The Catholic cleric, who is also a former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Adamawa State Chapter, made this assertion while delivering a homily during the priestly ordination at Saint Theresa’s Catholic Church, Yola.
According to Bishop Mamza, policies that directly affect the economic wellbeing of citizens must be carefully planned and widely communicated, especially at a time when many Nigerians are already grappling with economic hardship.
He stressed that taxation, when poorly introduced, risks further burdening the people rather than improving national development, calling on the government to prioritise dialogue, transparency, and public education in policy implementation.
Beyond national issues, the Bishop turned his attention to the spiritual significance of the occasion, charging the newly ordained priests to live up to the sacred responsibilities of the priesthood.
In his homily, Bishop Mamza urged them to faithfully discharge their duties in the presbyteral order as worthy co-workers with the bishops in shepherding God’s flock.
He admonished the priests to exercise the ministry of the Word with wisdom and integrity—preaching the Gospel, teaching the Catholic faith, and celebrating the sacred mysteries of Christ faithfully and reverently, particularly the Holy Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
The Bishop further implored them to remain steadfast in prayer, reminding them of the scriptural injunction to “pray without ceasing,” while growing daily in unity with Christ, the High Priest, who offered Himself as a pure sacrifice for the salvation of humanity.
He also encouraged them to serve God’s people with humility, dedication, and selflessness, while maintaining obedience and respect to the Church, the Bishop, and their legitimate superiors.
Bishop Mamza concluded by wishing the newly ordained priests success as they begin their pastoral journey, urging them to remain faithful and committed in God’s vineyard.
Those ordained into the Catholic priesthood are Reverend Father Paulinus George Hammawa, Reverend Father George Matthias Yirau, and Reverend Father ThankGod Enebechi Michael.
The ceremony attracted clergy, religious faithful, family members, and well-wishers from within and outside the Yola Diocese, marking a significant spiritual milestone for the Catholic community in Adamawa State.