The Catholic Bishops of Nigeria have commenced their Second Plenary Conference of 2026 in the Catholic Diocese of Oshogbo, Osun State, with a call for prayer, responsible citizenship, good governance, and a renewed commitment to building a peaceful and just Nigeria.
The plenary, which commenced with preparatory activities on 10 September, is being jointly hosted by the dioceses of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, namely Ibadan, Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, Ilorin, and Oshogbo.
Bishops Engage NDCPA on Gender-Based Violence Prevention
The conference activities began on 11 September with an engagement between the Catholic Bishops and representatives of the Nigeria Diocesan Catholic Priests Association (NDCPA).
During the meeting, Rev. Fr. George Ehusani delivered a lead presentation on Gender-Based Violence Prevention. The presentation generated an animated and fruitful discussion among participants, with the engagement providing an opportunity to reflect on the Church’s role in preventing gender-based violence and promoting the dignity and wellbeing of every person.
Bishops Engage Lay Faithful and Former Governor Fayemi
On 12 September, the Bishops met with specially invited lay persons from across the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province. The gathering provided an opportunity for cordial interaction and a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives on issues affecting the Church and the wider Nigerian society.
A major highlight of the engagement was a paper presented by His Excellency, Mr. John Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State. His presentation stimulated thoughtful discussions on the political and social realities confronting Nigeria and the responsibilities of citizens and leaders in shaping the nation’s future.
The discussions also focused on the forthcoming 2027 general elections, with emphasis on the urgent need for prayers, responsible political participation, credible electoral processes, and leadership founded on integrity and justice.
Bishops Call for Politics Rooted in Morality
The Catholic Bishops expressed their earnest desire for a Nigeria in which political leadership is guided by truth, honesty, sensitivity to the common good, and genuine commitment to good governance.
They prayed for an electoral process in 2027 that would be conducted with integrity, justice, credibility, and fairness, stressing the importance of politics rooted in morality and oriented towards the service of the people.
The Bishops further expressed hope for a Nigeria where the challenges of injustice, poverty, hunger, unemployment, insecurity, and other social ills are drastically reduced and ultimately eliminated.
They offered a prayer for honest, people-centred leaders who would possess the vision, courage, and commitment required to transform the nation and promote the common good.
“In God we trust, and in His mercy and love we hope to witness a new and better Nigeria.”
Cultural Evening Celebrates Rich Yoruba Heritage
The plenary activities were also enriched by a colourful cultural evening, during which the Bishops were treated to vibrant Yoruba cultural dances and traditional music.
The cultural presentation was received with admiration and delight, as the dancers showcased the richness and beauty of Yoruba heritage. The captivating sounds of traditional talking drums, accompanied by the majestic rhythms of Yoruba music, created an atmosphere of celebration and cultural appreciation.
Some of the Bishops could not resist the lively music and rose to their feet to join in the celebration, flowing with the rhythms and adding to the joyful atmosphere of the evening.
The cultural event provided not only entertainment but also an opportunity for the Bishops to appreciate the cultural heritage of the people of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province.
Plenary Conference Officially Opens
The Second Plenary Conference officially opened on Sunday, 13 September, with the celebration of the Opening Mass at St. Benedict's Cathedral, Oshogbo, followed by the opening session.
The conference is scheduled to continue until 18 September 2026, with the Bishops expected to deliberate on various pastoral, ecclesial, social, and national issues affecting the Church and the Nigerian people.
As the plenary continues, the faithful are encouraged to pray for the Bishops and for the success of the conference, asking God to grant them wisdom, discernment, courage, and openness to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their deliberations.
The gathering is taking place at a significant moment for Nigeria, as the nation looks towards the 2027 elections and continues to confront numerous social and economic challenges.
The Bishops concluded their appeal with a prayerful invocation:
“Mary, Mother of Good Counsel, pray for us and for our beloved country.”
