…Call for leadership rooted in common good
…As Ndagoso, Archbishop of Kaduna, emerges CBCN new president
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) have enjoined all Nigerians to collectively work for the social transformation of the country.
The bishops also called for leadership that is rooted in the common good, and capable of ensuring that those who occupy positions of leadership in the country, at both the national and sub-national levels, are people with track records of probity, competence and commitment.
This was made known in a communiqué titled, ‘Leadership for the Common Good’ issued on Friday February 27, and jointly signed by Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, president, CBCN and Archbishop of Owerri, and Donatus A. OGUN, secretary, CBCN, and Bishop of Uromi, after the first plenary meeting for the year held in Abuja between February 19 to 26, 2026.
“In pursuit of the common good, our Christian faith challenges us to serve ‘the least of the brethren’ – feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, caring for the sick and prisoners.”
According to the communiqué, the bishops stated that a better Nigeria is possible, and therefore enjoined all Nigerians to contribute to building the nation.
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The CBCN also called on Christians to be exemplary in all they do as people called to be the salt of the earth, the light of the world, and the leaven of the society.
“This calls for a change of attitude across board and a generous and selfless disposition to serve the common good.”
On Lent and Ramadan season, the Catholic bishops enjoined all Nigerians to use the fasting season to intensify their prayer life, works of charity, refrain from sin, and repent.
The bishops also called on adherents of both faiths to worship God and contribute to good neighbourliness and a better society.
“The season of Lent this year coincides with Ramadan, the Muslim period of fasting. We believe that this is not a mere coincidence but God’s invitation to work and live together in harmony and mutual respect.”
Furthermore, the CBCN also conducted elections for new executive and other officers of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.
After the elections, Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, the Archbishop of Kaduna, was elected as the new president of the CBCN.
Other principal officers include Alfred Adewale Martins, the Archbishop of Lagos, as vice president; Peter Odetoyinbo, the Bishop of Abeokuta, as secretary, and Peter Chukwu, the Bishop of Abakaliki, as assistant secretary.
“We wish them a successful and impactful tenure. We thank the past executive and other officers for their service and pray to God to bless them in their future endeavours,” the communiqué read.
