By Ayomide Otitoju
The Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province have urged Nigerians and governments at all levels to intensify efforts toward security, social justice, education reform and national renewal, as they released a communiqué following their first meeting of 2026.
The meeting, which brought together bishops from the Ibadan Archdiocese and the dioceses of Ilorin, Ondo, Oyo, Ekiti and Osogbo, was held at the Jubilee Conference Centre (JCC), Ibadan, where the bishops prayerfully deliberated on issues of Church and national interest.
Reaffirming the mission of the Church as rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ—bringing hope to the poor, liberty to captives and justice to the oppressed—the bishops thanked God for the successful conclusion of the Jubilee Year of Hope. They encouraged Catholics and Nigerians at large to continue expanding “the frontiers of hope” through the promotion of Catholic Social Teachings (CST).
The bishops highlighted the four cardinal principles of CST—human dignity, solidarity, subsidiarity and the common good—as proven tools for social development, calling on priests, religious and experts to study and disseminate them widely for nation-building.
On pastoral formation, the bishops underscored the importance of catechesis, noting that Pope Leo XIV has begun renewed teachings on the Second Vatican Council. In response to contemporary challenges and modern ideologies, they endorsed the Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church (YOUCAT) as a basic catechetical text for youths and adults across the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, urging families, teachers and parish communities to make effective use of it.
Addressing national security, the bishops commended the Federal Government’s renewed resolve to tackle insecurity, noting that recent developments show that political will can curb criminality. They called for sustained collaboration among federal, state and local authorities, adequate funding of security agencies, public enlightenment and the equal application of the law without fear or favour. They stressed that all life is sacred and urged Nigerians to unite across religious and ethnic lines to restore peace.
The bishops also weighed in on ongoing tax reforms, acknowledging public concerns and misinformation surrounding the new regime. They appealed to government authorities to adopt a humane, transparent and accountable approach, allowing vulnerable citizens time to adjust before full enforcement.
On education, the bishops welcomed the recent agreement between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), describing it as a long-overdue breakthrough after years of failed negotiations. They called for its effective implementation and urged that similar support, including access to intervention funds, be extended to private and mission universities. They also praised youth-focused initiatives such as education grants, loans, skills development programmes and the new National Policy on Almajiri Education.
Expressing concern over Nigeria’s welfare challenges, the bishops called for urgent government action on healthcare strikes, deplorable road conditions and underperforming ministries at both federal and state levels. They stressed that rebuilding a functional welfare state requires government leadership in providing security, healthcare, infrastructure, electricity, water, agriculture incentives and employment opportunities.
As the nation enters 2026, the bishops called on Nigerians to combine prayer with concrete action, urging citizens to resist cynicism and work diligently for justice, equity and the rule of law. They expressed hope for national renewal, drawing inspiration from the biblical promise of a transformed heart and a restored people.
“We have no other country but this,” the bishops said, urging Nigerians to embrace hope, prayer and responsible citizenship in the collective task of building a better Nigeria.
