PIC (L-R): Vice Patron/Trustee, Yoruba Tennis Club, Dr Abayomi Finnih; Chairman, Olawumi Gasper; Vicar-General, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos/ Guest Speaker, Rt. Rev Dr. John Aniagwu; and Vice Chairman, Yoruba Tennis Club, Babatunde Sobamowo, during the Yoruba Tennis Club 2026 Centenary Lenten Talk.
By Our Reporter
The Vicar-General of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Rt. Rev. Msgr Dr John Kanebi Asuquo Aniagwu, has emphasised that forgiveness remains the indispensable foundation for reconciliation, stressing that without it, genuine harmony among individuals and communities cannot be achieved.
Aniagwu made this assertion at the 2026 Centenary Lenten Talk of the Yoruba Tennis Club, themed: "Forgiveness and Reconciliation," held at the Club’s Greetings Hall in Lagos on Sunday and which drew a large and diverse audience.
"Forgiveness paves the way for reconciliation, and where forgiveness is absent, reconciliation becomes impossible,” he said, adding that it was difficult to live in harmony with anyone to whom forgiveness had been denied, regardless of familial or social ties.
The cleric insisted that forgiveness and reconciliation were central themes of the Lenten season, pointing out that Jesus Christ consistently emphasised these virtues in his teachings across different audiences and circumstances.
Aniagwu, while illustrating his message with biblical references, cited notable parables from the New Testament, including the Parable of the Prodigal Son and the Parable of the Lost Sheep, which highlight God’s boundless mercy and willingness to forgive.
Drawing lessons from these teachings, the cleric explained that divine forgiveness restores broken relationships between humanity and God, noting that sin disrupts the harmony between man and God, but forgiveness re-establishes that connection and renews communication with the Creator.
Aniagwu further urged individuals to shun retaliation and instead embrace compassion, just as he equally urged them to pray for those who persecuted them.
According to him, such actions reflect the nature of God, who shows kindness to all without discrimination.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Yoruba Tennis Club, Olawunmi Gasper, described the centenary lecture as a historic milestone in the Club’s evolution.
Gasper noted that beyond its reputation as a sporting institution, the Club had continued to serve as a platform for intellectual engagement, spiritual reflection, and contributions to national development.
The well-attended event underscored the enduring legacy of the Club and its commitment to fostering dialogue that promotes moral consciousness and national advancement.
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