The Executive Secretary/CEO of Caritas Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Peter Audu, led a delegation comprising Sr. Funmi Ojo, Secretary to the Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria- Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, and Margaret Jane Amodu, Executive Secretary’s Assistant, on an official visit to the Dicastery for Integral Human Development in Rome, the headquarters of Caritas Internationalis.
The visit aimed to foster stronger collaboration between Caritas Nigeria and Caritas Internationalis, with particular emphasis on advocacy, knowledge sharing, and humanitarian partnership. During the engagement, the delegation met with Mr. Alistair Dutton, Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis, to explore ways of amplifying Caritas Nigeria’s impact through global synergy and mutual learning.
Held at the Dicastery for Integral Human Development in Rome, the discussions reflected Caritas Nigeria’s commitment to aligning with global strategies for integral human development. The meeting also provided an opportunity to highlight Caritas Nigeria’s remarkable achievements in food security and livelihood, where it was recognized as the best-performing organization in North-East Nigeria. In addition, Margaret Jane Amodu, Executive Assistant, shared insights into the organization’s protection and safeguarding measures, underscoring Caritas Nigeria’s dedication to accountability and human dignity.
The delegation further met with Mr. John Coughlin, Humanitarian Lead at Caritas Internationalis, who shared valuable perspectives on the confederation’s global humanitarian efforts. These interactions deepened understanding of shared priorities and laid the groundwork for expanded collaboration in areas of mutual interest, particularly in humanitarian response and sustainable development.
The visit coincided with Fr. Audu’s participation in the World Meeting of Popular Movements, held from 22nd to 26th October 2025, and the Pilgrimage for the Jubilee of Hope at the Vatican City. These engagements offered him opportunities for reflection, solidarity, and renewed global partnership, aligning perfectly with the overarching mission of Caritas to bring hope, promote justice, and serve humanity through love in action.
Overall, the visit reinforced Caritas Nigeria’s growing reputation within the global Caritas network as a model of effective humanitarian response and transformative development practice. It marked another step forward in strengthening ties, sharing experiences, and advancing the collective mission of building a world rooted in compassion and solidarity.
