By CSN Media
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) commenced its first plenary assembly for 2025 on Sunday, March 9, at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in Abuja. The one-week event began with a solemn Holy Mass, celebrated by CBCN President, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, and concelebrated by all other bishops present.
In his homily at the Mass, the Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, reflected on the theme of the plenary: “Jubilee of Hope: A Light for a New Nigeria.” He emphasized the need for Nigerians to recommit themselves to being the light that dispels darkness, particularly in the face of economic hardship, insecurity, corruption, and social division.
“We must lead by example in honesty, service, and love,” Archbishop Kaigama said. “We must call for justice, advocate for the poor, and reject all forms of oppression. A new Nigeria is possible if we, as God’s people, take responsibility for building it with integrity and faith.”
The Official Opening ceremony followed at the Tansi Hall of the CSN Resource Centre. The ceremony commenced with the rite of the enthronement of the Bible by Bishop Hassan Kukah of Sokoto Diocese.
The Chairman of the occasion, Sir Steve Adehi, SAN, in his Opening Remark, pointed out that the Jubilee of Hope offers Nigeria a unique opportunity to transform and nurture the seeds of hope amidst desperation. He emphasized that hope is not an illusion, but a virtue grounded in God, citing Pope Francis’ message that hope can shape our lives in new and significant ways.
Sir Adehi, who is also the National President of the Association of Papal Knights and Medalists in Nigeria (APKMN), highlighted three key areas where the Church can utilize the Jubilee of Hope to illuminate a path for a new Nigeria: homilies, ecclesial institutions, and focusing on the reality of eternal life.
In his welcome address, the CBCN President, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, emphasized the urgent need for reforms in Nigeria’s correctional facilities, describing them as “dilapidated, ill-maintained, and very filthy.” He noted that inmates are subjected to inhuman treatment, extended imprisonment without trial, and violation of fundamental rights. To address this, he advocated for upholding the fundamental rights of inmates, treating them with dignity, expediting justice, and rehabilitating facilities.
Furthermore, the CBCN President highlighted the critical issue of youth unemployment, which he described as a “ticking time bomb” that makes young people vulnerable to radicalization and crime. He urged the government to prioritize job creation and skills training, emphasizing that “unless and until government attends to the problem of youth joblessness… it may continue to lose the war against insecurity and violent crimes.”
The Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Crotty, addressing the Conference for the first time since his appointment, expressed his delight to meet with members of the conference in the next few days and to get to know the experiences of the Catholic Church in Nigeria.
The Papal envoy invited all to continue in their prayers to the God for the Holy Father, Pope Francis, that he may be completely healed to continue to lead the church in this Jubilee Year of hope.
The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel C. Okoh, in his goodwill message to the Catholic Bishops, described the Catholic Church as a beacon of hope in Nigeria’s darkest moments. He commended the Catholic Church for their unwavering commitment to the Gospel and the common good.
In attendance were state dignitaries, including the representative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, President of the Nigeria Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, President of the Industrial Court of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Benedict Kanyip, former Federal Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Dame Pauline Tallen, Former Police Public Relations Officer, DIG Frank Mbah, amongst others.
Later in the evening, the bishops gathered for Rosary and Benediction with Solemn Vespers, led by Bishop Gerald Mamman Musa. In his reflection, Bishop Musa admonished his fellow bishops to lead by example and encourage their flock to persevere in the faith, as Christians embark on the journey of the Jubilee Year of Hope.
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