By PJ Usanga, CSN Media
The Catholic Diocese of Lafia has recorded remarkable pastoral, clerical, and infrastructural growth in the 25 years since its establishment. It has expanded from two deaneries and 13 parishes to seven deaneries with 59 parishes and mission stations, and has grown its indigenous priesthood from just seven priests to over 120, according to the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. David Ajang.
Speaking on Wednesday, 10 December, during the launch of the year-long Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Diocese, Bishop Ajang described the progress recorded as “phenomenal,” attributing it to sustained evangelisation, faithful witness, and God’s transforming grace.
“At its creation, the Diocese had two deaneries and thirteen parishes. Today, we have seven deaneries and fifty-nine parishes and mission stations,” the Bishop said. He added that the local clergy has grown significantly over the years, noting that the Diocese, which began with seven indigenous priests, now has more than 120 priests serving across its pastoral structures.
Beyond numerical growth, Bishop Ajang highlighted major infrastructural developments that have reshaped the Diocese, including the construction of a new cathedral, a bishop’s residence, and a diocesan secretariat that is nearing completion. He said these projects reflect the maturity and institutional stability the Diocese has attained within a relatively short period.
The Bishop noted that the only major project yet to be completed is a pastoral centre, which he described as essential for clergy formation, lay training, and coordinated pastoral activities. He disclosed that groundwork for the centre had already been carried out during his fourth episcopal anniversary, but construction has been delayed pending approval from the Nasarawa State Urban Development Board.
“Once the approval comes, we will commence without delay,” he assured.
Reflecting on the Diocese’s origins, Bishop Ajang traced its growth to early missionary evangelisation, which laid a strong foundation for the faith in the area. “Their message took root; people listened, accepted the faith, and became Christians. Once the message entered the hearts of the people, transformation followed,” he said.
Bishop Ajang stressed that the 25th anniversary is more than a celebration of longevity, describing it as a moment of accountability and renewal. He called on the faithful to use the jubilee year, which will culminate in November 2026, to pursue reconciliation within families, parishes, and Church institutions.
“In this jubilee year, I call on spouses to reconcile with one another, parents with their children, and siblings among themselves,” he said. He added that bishops, priests, and members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life also need ongoing reconciliation to strengthen unity.
Urging Catholics to prepare spiritually for the celebrations, Bishop Ajang described the jubilee year as a time of grace and recommitment. “This is going to be an extraordinary year, one filled with grace, renewal, and celebration,” he said, emphasising that the future of the Diocese will depend largely on the choices made during the jubilee.