As part of ongoing efforts to enhance staff engagement, institutional growth, and effective programme implementation, the Executive Secretary/CEO of Caritas Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Peter Audu, accompanied by the Project Control Manager, Mr Sunday Matthew, paid an official visit to the Adikpo Office in Benue State and the Gembu Sub-Office and Takum Field Office in Taraba State. The visit provided an opportunity to engage staff, review programme activities, address operational challenges, and reinforce the organisation’s mission and values.
The visit commenced with the celebration of Holy Mass, during which Rev. Fr. Audu encouraged staff to emulate the courage, resilience, and commitment to truth exemplified by the Prophet Elijah. He urged them to remain steadfast in their service despite challenges and to continue demonstrating dedication in delivering humanitarian and development interventions to vulnerable populations.
Interactive sessions with staff provided a platform for open discussions about achievements, challenges, and opportunities to strengthen teamwork and programme delivery. Staff presented updates on Caritas Nigeria’s protection interventions for refugees, including Gender-Based Violence (GBV) response, Child Protection, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), Legal Assistance, and Community-Based Protection activities. They also highlighted progress under the ProFuturo Digital Education Programme, which continues to improve access to quality education and digital learning opportunities for refugee and host community children across Benue and Taraba States.
In Gembu, refugee representatives shared key concerns affecting their communities and emphasised the need for sustained humanitarian assistance, protection services, and livelihood support. Responding to these concerns, the Executive Secretary reaffirmed Caritas Nigeria’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations through impactful and people-centred interventions.
Rev. Fr. Audu further emphasised the importance of teamwork, accountability, unity, and adherence to Caritas Nigeria’s core values. He encouraged staff to strengthen collaboration, increase organisational visibility, and foster closer relationships with local Catholic communities to enhance the impact of the organisation’s work.
The visit also featured moments of appreciation and cultural celebration. In recognition of his leadership and support, the Taraba team presented the Executive Secretary with a portrait. It adorned him with traditional Jukun regalia, while the Benue team honoured him with Tiv cultural attire, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of their respective communities.
The visit concluded with a renewed commitment by staff to deepen collaboration, improve service delivery, and continue implementing transformative humanitarian and development programmes that positively impact the lives of refugees, vulnerable persons, and host communities across Nigeria.
