The 2025 Annual General Meeting of the Church and Society Department of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria began on 26 November 2025, with the theme, “Harbingers of Hope: Mainstreaming Catholic Social Teaching (CST) for Development in Nigeria.” The gathering brought together directors, partners, and Church actors from across the country to reflect on the state of the nation and renew commitment to Catholic social doctrine as a tool for national transformation.
The event opened with a Holy Mass presided over by Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of Lagos and Board Chairman of the Department, and concelebrated by Most Rev. Luka Sylvester Gopep, Auxiliary Bishop of Minna and Bishop Chair of the Family and Human Life Unit. In his homily, Archbishop Martins spoke to Nigeria’s economic hardship, insecurity and declining social values, urging members to respond with hope, justice, and unwavering dedication to CST.
In his welcome remarks, Fr. Michael Banjo, Secretary General of CSN, commended the directors for their efforts in advancing CST across dioceses, while assuring continued support for coordinated social action. Fr. Peter Audu, Director of the Department and Executive Secretary/CEO of Caritas Nigeria, also delivered an opening address highlighting achievements within the department’s five units. He emphasized the need for unity, inter-unit collaboration, and courageous witness, noting that the Church must continue to defend human dignity and meaningfully influence national development. Both Archbishop Martins and Bishop Gopep reiterated the need for a stronger prophetic voice from the Church amid national challenges.
Goodwill messages from partner organizations such as Catholic Relief Services and Yiaga Africa reaffirmed strategic collaboration with the Church for the common good. A keynote address delivered by Fr. Evaristus Bassey, pioneer Executive Secretary/CEO of Caritas Nigeria, and representative of the Auxiliary Bishop of Calabar, called for a renewed commitment to a hope-driven approach to development.
The meeting also featured two major presentations: “Vulnerability with Hope” by Rev. Fr. Kekong Bisong, and “Charting a New Socio-Political Course: 2027 Elections as a Watershed for Development in Nigeria” by Ms Cynthia Mbamalu. The participants engaged in interactive sessions, asking questions, exchanging ideas and preparing for deeper discussions scheduled to continue in the days ahead.
