By Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh
Following a long-standing tradition of geographical rotation, the upcoming plenary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) moves from Ikot Ekpene Diocese in the Calabar Ecclesiastical Province to the Diocese of Osogbo, situated within the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, from 10 – 18 September, 2026.
Under the established system of the CBCN, the Bishops gather twice a year. The first plenary always takes place at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) in Abuja, while the second plenary rotates through the various ecclesiastical provinces across the country in alphabetical order. Barring any unforeseen changes, the conference is scheduled to move to a diocese in the Jos Province after Ibadan, followed sequentially by Kaduna and Lagos Provinces.
For the host diocese, this rotation offers the historic, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness nearly all of Nigeria’s Catholic Bishops into a single assembly. To ensure a hitch-free event, the Local Ordinary of Osogbo Diocese, Most Rev. John Akinkunmi Oyejola, has actively led his priests, religious, and the lay faithful in extensive preparations. In response, parishioners and diocesan officials have mobilised over the past several months, embracing these hosting duties as both a spiritual privilege and a profound Christian responsibility.
According to the official itinerary, the grand opening ceremony of the plenary will be celebrated at St. Benedict Cathedral in the State capital, Osogbo. However, the working sessions and deliberations will shift to the Diocesan Pastoral Centre located in a neighbouring town of Ede.
The Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Ede, which has recently undergone significant development, offers a serene, secure environment perfectly suited for retreats and deliberations. Beyond its central chapel and main conference hall, the facility boasts multiple residential blocks featuring a mix of beautifully upgraded rooms and newly constructed accommodations for the visiting prelates. The expansive grounds are further enhanced by manicured walkways, shaded outdoor seating areas, and a lush green field that provides a tranquil setting for quiet contemplation.
Speaking to the CSN media team during a recent site inspection, the Director in charge of the Pastoral Centre, Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Abe, assured that logistical preparations are roughly 90% complete. He stated that all major structural work and utility checks are finished, noting that the remaining tasks are primarily cosmetic, consisting of painting the buildings to tidy up the compound ahead of the Bishops’ arrival.