By: Fr. Okhueleigbe Osemhantie Ã., CIWA
February 20, 2025
The 6th edition of the All Nigeria Major Seminary Festival of Arts and Culture (ANMSFAC) is currently underway in Edo State, Nigeria’s heartbeat. Representatives from all major seminaries and formation houses across the country have converged on the Seminary of All Saints, Uhiele, for this year’s festival themed Our Faith, Our Culture, Our Hope.”Since its commencement three days ago, the seminary has been abuzz with a plethora of activities, fostering an atmosphere of creativity, fraternity, and cultural appreciation.
On February 19, 2025, the formal opening of the festival was presided over by His Lordship, Most Rev. Gabriel Ghieakhomo Dunia, Bishop of Auchi Diocese, who, despite the recent passing of his mother, Mrs. Anna Asana Dunia, on February 16, 2025, at the age of 94, graciously officiated at the ceremony. Representing the Archbishops and Bishops of the Catholic Ecclesiastical Provinces of Benin City, Lagos, and Ibadan, Bishop Dunia celebrated a Solemn High Mass to officially inaugurate the event. In his address, he proclaimed:
> “To the glory of God and the salvation of souls, by the merit of this Holy Mass, and through the motherly intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the prayers of all the saints, our patrons, I, Most Rev. Gabriel Dunia, representing the Archbishops and Bishops, the proprietors of our seminary, hereby declare the 2025 All Nigeria Major Seminary Festival of Arts and Culture, Uhiele, open.”
The Mass was attended by a distinguished gathering, including the Vicar General of the Diocese of Uromi, Very Revd Fr. Francis Omonlumhen, who represented the host Bishop, Most Rev. Donatus Ogun, OSA; several rectors from major seminaries across Nigeria; the host rector, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Matthew Ovabor Ihensekhien; priests of the Diocese of Uromi; seminary formators; consecrated men and women serving in Uromi Diocese; students from St. Carmelius School of Basic Sciences, Uromi; and members of the lay faithful.
Following the Mass, Bishop Dunia spent time with the contingents, encouraging seminarians to see the festival as more than just an exhibition of arts and a celebration of culture. He urged them to recognize it as an opportunity for fostering greater unity in an increasingly divided nation and world. During the post-Mass events, the Vicar General of Uromi Diocese, Very Revd Fr Francis Omonlumhen, expressed his admiration for the initiative, noting that such an event was unheard of during their time in the seminary. He further challenged the seminarians to work towards the development of a distinct Nigerian Liturgical Rite that could enhance evangelization and bring greater glory to God. In a similar vein, Bishop Dunia reminded the seminarians that authentic culture is a gift from God and must be preserved and promoted within the boundaries of faith and morality.
As the festival progresses, Fr. Ihensekhien, the host rector, extended heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Dunia, all the clergy, formators, and participants, commending their dedication and contributions towards the success of this grand celebration of faith and culture.
Adding a touch of friendly rivalry, seminarians from Ss. Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Ibadan, known for calling their institution “Great Bodija”, were met with a spirited challenge from their hosts, the *Seminary of All Saints, Uhiele, who declared that they were being hosted by *“Greatest Uhiele”. Fr. Victor Ogunyemi, an alumnus of Bodija, expressed confidence that his alma mater would clinch the grand trophy, but Fr. Okhueleigbe Osemhantie, a proud alumnus of Uhiele, countered with the assertion that this Jubilee Year was Uhiele’s time to host—and win.
Meanwhile, in a significant development within the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), it has been officially announced that Very Rev. Fr. Augustine Okochi of Awka Diocese* has been appointed as the Deputy Secretary General (DSG). He succeeds Fr. Banjo, who now assumes the role of Secretary General (SG).
As the festival unfolds, expect further updates from your dedicated correspondent, ensuring you remain informed on all the highlights of ANMSFAC 2025.
