BY AMOS TAUNA, KADUNA – The Nigeria Catholic Diocesan Priests’ Association is set to stage its Annual General Meeting in Kaduna, beginning from Monday June 17 to June 21st, 2019.
According to a press statement signed Fr Williams Kaura Abba, who is the chairman of the Kaduna Province, delegates from 36 states, including the Federal capital Territory (FCT) are expected to attend the conference.
The meeting which is expected to hold at the Catholic Social Centre, Independence Way, Kaduna, has the theme, ‘The Imperative of Good Governance for a Secure and Prosperous Nation’.
According to the press statement, “The opening Mass will take place on 18th June 2019 at Our Lady’s Parish, Independence Way, Kaduna. It will be presided by the Metropolitan and Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Man’Oso Ndagoso. Time for the Mass is 10am.
“The opening ceremonies are billed to take place at the Multi-purpose Hall of the Catholic Social Centre after the opening Mass. Expected to grace the occasion is the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El Rufai who will be delivering a goodwill message to the delegates. Priests, Religious, the Laity, Traditional Rulers, the Political Class, Journalists and all men and Women of goodwill have been invited for the opening ceremonies.
“The Association seeks to, amongst others; foster unity and fraternity among diocesan Priests in Nigeria; facilitate mutual understanding, co-operation and trust among members; to work in close collaboration with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria in the overall interest of the Church; to sustain and promote healthy and fruitful priestly life and ministry; to promote the Church’s effort in promoting dialogue, as well as contribute to social and ethical development of all.
“This is what members of the Association, in the next coming days will commit themselves to discussing, while charting a new cause for efficiency and enhanced commitment in the service to God and humanity.
There will be three (3) academic papers. The lead paper will be presented by Joseph Nashakyaa. He is a Lecturer with the Nigeria Institute of Transport Technology, Zaria. He will be talking on the imperative of good governance for a secure and prosperous nation. He will be examining the relationship between good governance, security and prosperity. The second paper will be presented by Fr Emmanuel Kazah Faweh, PhD. He will be talking on the role of Pastoral Agents in entrenching good governance for peace and justice. Dr Innocent Okpe, Consultant Endocrinologist and Physician will be talking on Diabetes: Result of Freedom without moderation.
“The Association shall hold a business meeting on Thursday 20th June. At this meeting, activities of the Association will form the basis for discussion, while diocesan chapters of the association will also present progress report.
“The closing Mass will be said by Most Rev. John Niyiring, OSA, Catholic Bishop of Kano at St Mathew’s Catholic Church television by 5pm. The communique of the five-day meeting will be presented to the general public at the closing Mass. There will be gala night same evening at the Catholic Social Center.”
