By CSN Media
The members of the African Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABLI), led by Professor Jerry GANA, paid a courtesy call to the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) to acquaint and request the partnership of the Catholic Church in a Bible based International Conference proposed to take place in Nigeria later in October, 2024.
In his introductory speech, the erstwhile Minister of Information and Culture explained that ABLI is aimed at equipping, inspiring and encouraging leaders to ignite personal and cultural transformation in Africa. “Though an apolitical and non-denominational initiative, her sole intention is to highlight the positive contribution of the Bible for the wider society.”
Receiving the group of nine delegates, the Deputy Secretary General and Director of Pastoral Affairs, Very Rev. Fr Michael Banjo commended the efforts of the body to see that the Word of God permeates the political sphere, especially that of bringing the of Word God to the Leadership formation in Africa and beyond.
Speaking further on the purpose of the visit was the Ethiopian-born Dr. Girma Mohammed Ahmed who informed the gathering that the intended conference in Nigeria is expected to give birth to a centre, that will bring about qualitative transformation of a nation through value-based leadership that is informed and inspired by biblical values. He solicited for every possible support from the Catholic Church which he said is the first point of call for the group for participants’ mobilization and financial support for a hitch-free conference in October.
On the Note of appreciation, the Secretary General of the Bible Society of Nigeria, Dr Samuel Sanusi, thanked the leadership of the Catholic Church in Nigeria for the warm welcome and above all for the relationship that exists between the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) and The Catholic Biblical Apostolate of Nigeria (CABAN). He expressed his optimism that with the Catholic Church, hope is rekindled.
Other delegates include Joanna Heath, the UK based International Programme Manager, Bible Society of UK; Mrs. Chinyere Ezinwa, Bible Society of Nigeria, Abuja office; Barr. John Aji, Deputy Secretary, ABLI; Dr. Ike Neliaku, President NIPR; Ms Grace Benjamin, Programme Manager, BSN; and Mr Ishaya Yakubu, PA to the Chairman. From the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria were Very Rev. Michael Banjo, Rev. Fr Nicholas Djebah of Pilgrimage office, Lady Agnes Odido the Admin Secretary and the National Coordinator for Biblical Apostolate, Mr. Femi Adeojo with representative of the Social Communications Directorate, Mr. Emmanuel Eko.
The conference is scheduled for 21 to 25 October, 2024 in the city of Abuja with the theme: VALUE-BASED LEADERSHIP MODEL FOR AFRICA.
