Ten years of Caritas Nigeria - gratitude and praise.

Josef Ishu – Abuja, Nigeria.

Speaking over the weekend, Archbishop Akubeze recounted some of Caritas Nigeria’s milestones. He made the observations during the Holy Mass, marking the tenth anniversary of the Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (CCFN) also known as Caritas Nigeria.  

The Archbishop of Benin-City presided over the Eucharist held at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Durumi, Abuja. Archbishop Akubeze noted that Caritas Nigeria is primarily concerned about helping the poor in the land. In the past ten years, the organisation has touched many lives through its work and advocacy.

An organisation come of age

During general elections held in Nigeria in 2019 to elect the President, Vice President, House of Representatives and the Senate, Caritas Nigeria single-handedly monitored elections countrywide.

“This allowed their observation to reflect their true perfection of reality. The Election Monitoring App that they locally created shows the ingenuity of Caritas Nigeria,” Archbishop Akubeze stated.

At the forefront of environmental advocacy

According to the prelate, Caritas Nigeria has been actively involved in food security advocacy and poverty eradication. In line with the call of Pope Francis, Caritas Nigeria has also responded by acting and calling for the respect of our common home, the earth.

“We also find within the report of Caritas their intervention in conflict management and peacebuilding. Caritas has also been active in the health care services, as reflected in the report.

How do we treat the vulnerable in our society?

The CBCN President said society’s civility is measured not in the number of nuclear weapons a country has but in how it treats its most vulnerable persons. “Caritas Nigeria has become the institutional arm of the Church in reaching out to the vulnerable and the needy,” declared Archbishop Akubeze.

Support Caritas Nigeria

Archbishop Akubeze called on both local and foreign partners to continue supporting Caritas Nigeria. “We pray God to continue to bless all those associated with Caritas Nigeria and to grant eternal rest to those who have passed away,” he said.

He thanked the Archbishop of Kaduna, Matthew Man’Oso Ndagoso, the Board Chair of Caritas Nigeria, for inspiring a dedicated and committed team.