Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Adewale Martins, has stated that prayers will not end corruption in Nigeria.

Martins said this in Lagos on Thursday at the 10th Anniversary of the Anthony Cardinal Okogie Annual Lecture entitled: ‘Creating a Corrupt-Free Society in Nigeria: The Role of the Church’.

He urged Nigerians to put aside personal interest, political convenience and bitterness in the fight against corruption which is “our common enemy.”

His words, “Those with the mandate to facilitate this process should be guided by a true sense of justice and act in accordance with the rule of law.

“The war against corruption is not just a battle for virtue and righteousness in our land but a fight for the soul and substance of our nation.

“It is a collective responsibility that requires our collective efforts. All Nigerians must be part of the struggle which ought to be carried out at all levels in order that we may recover our wasted opportunities.

“Each one of us must make it our priority to respect one another, enhance the dignity of one another and appreciate hard work as there is no such thing as cheap peace or progress or an easy way out,’’ Martins said.