Ado-Ekiti — Nigerians have been admonished not to lose hope in spite of the economic situation facing the country.

Rev. Fr. Paul Adaja, who gave the advice yesterday at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, said Nigerians should look forward to a better nation in 2013.

The occasion was the end of the year thanksgiving mass, inauguration of the Centenary celebrations of the Catholic faith in Ekitiland and ordinations to the order of diaconate and priesthood.

Those ordained as Catholic priests are Rev. Anthony Olawale Arowolo and Rev Patrick Ayemowa while those ordained deacons are Aina Patrick O; Ajiboye Felix O; Akor David E; Alade Tope F; Atoki Charles O; Famosaya Marcus A and Omoleye Alfred.

Fr. Adaja, who is the diocesan secretary, mentioned some of the calamities facing Nigerians to include bombings ochestrated by the dreaded Boko Haram sect, flooding, kidnappings, pension scam and several armed robberies.

"We should not give up as Nigeria. The fact that we are still alive shows that God has good things in stock for us in 2013."

While inaugurating the centenary celebration of the Catholic faith, the Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev Felix Ajakaye said the mission and vision of the church is to ensure that all Catholics in the diocese re-intensify their drive for the salvation of souls through all means.