After Ordination, the then Fr Martins studied at the University College, Cork where he was a familiar face to the people of Cork as he cycled to and from College and the SMA Residence at Doughcloyne in the Cork suburbs.
The Centenarian filled many positions of responsibility, teaching at St Gregory's College in Lagos as well as ministering in several parishes throughout the Archdiocese. He also served as Vicar General to the then Archbishop, now Cardinal, Okogie. In 1970 he was made Monsignor.
He was the first Lagosian to be ordained Catholic priest and the pioneer Nigerian Catholic Chaplain of the Nigerian Army.
During his military career he served with the Nigerian Armed Forces rising to the position of Head Chaplain to the Armed Forces. He served in the Congo and with many Army Formations in Nigeria.
I remember that a ceremony was held on the anniversary of Murtala Muhammed's death in the 1980s. President Babangida unveiled an obelisk at the junction of Bank Road and Ikoyi Road (where Murtala died). There was also a ceremony at the radio station. Colonel Martins was present. General Babangida said that it was Colonel Martins who handed over the radio station to him after Dimka's coup had collapsed.
He was interviewed by Frank Olize on his 80th birthday. He complained about how these lazy young ones slouch about and demonstrated how he gets up from a chair with one swift motion. He didn't want anyone to wish him long life (when they sang "happy birthday to you" ). When Frank asked him why he replied "what more do I want? Have you heard of lumbago?".
Professor Wole Soyinka wrote that he heard a nasty rumour about Colonel Martins and wanted to ask him if it was true. However, when he eventually met Colonel Martins and stood up so that the elderly colonel could have his seat, Colonel Martins sat him down with such force that he decided he'd better keep the rumour to himself.
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