Lagos, the commercial nerve center of Nigeria is set to play host to Catholic Bishops and communication experts across Africa as they gather to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Pan African Episcopal Committee for Social Communications (CEPACS).
The event which is billed to hold between November 18 to 21, 2023, at the ultra modern facilities of Lumen Christi Catholic TV, Retreat and media Centre, Lekki Lagos according to the President of CEPACS, Most Rev. Emmanuel A. Badejo, Bishop of Oyo Diocese, will be attended by the Bishop Chairmen from each region of Africa, the Standing Committee of SECAM (the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar), invited heads and officers of various communication outfits and schools in Africa, including expatriates and dignitaries from within and outside the Continent of Africa.
Founded in 1973 by the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) for the Church in Africa, CEPACS was given the mandate of promoting the use of modern means of mass communications as tools of evangelization in the African Church.
To ensure a hitch-free 50th celebration, Bishop Emmanuel Badejo who chairs the Continental Organising Committee, recently constituted a Local Organizing Committee in Lagos, comprising astute Communications experts, including priests, lay faithful and other Church functionaries.
He saddled them with the responsibility of ensuring, that the participants, drawn from the eight regions of Africa enjoy an unforgettable experience during the historic celebration.
The Committee is headed by a Papal Knight and Founder/Chairman of Lumen Christi Catholic Television Network, Sir Robert Soji Olagunju, KSG, while a renowned Chartered Accountant, Mr. John I. Nejoh is to serve as General Secretary.
The National Director of Social Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Umoh, the Director of Social Communications, Lagos Archdiocese, Very Rev Fr. Anthony Godonu, Rev Fr. Andrew Kante from Kenya and Rev. Fr. Dieu-Donne Kofi Davor, Director of Communication, Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference are also part of the LOC to ensure that it delivers on its mandate.
Other members of the LOC include, Sir Tony Chiejina, Mr. Seyi Martins, Barr. Mrs. Philomena Omorodion, Mr. Tony Agbugba, Mrs. Neta Nwosu, Mr. Philip Nwosu, Mrs. Anthonia Okonkwo, Lady Dr. Clementine Bisi Olagunju, Mrs. Henrietta Okonkwo, Mrs M.O.D. Ewumi, Engr. O.M Otabor, Mr. Kola Akindele, Barr Hannibal Uwaifo, Sir Ben Nkwo and Mrs. Adesuwa John-Nejoh.
Also on the LOC are: Mrs. Veronica Afolabi the Head of programmes at Lumen Christi, Mrs. Catherine Alabi, Mrs. Adewunmi Kissiedu, Mr. Peter Dada, Mr. Lenus Okeke, Engr. Eniza Peters and John Achu.
Already, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, are excited at the prospect of playing host to the delegates which will also include high ranking Church officials from the Vatican City, Rome.
Similarly, the Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr Alfred Adewale Martins has lauded the choice of Lagos Archdiocese for this historic 50th anniversary celebration and has given his full support, and enjoined the LOC to be at their utmost best.
He promised to personally be on ground to welcome delegates from across Africa to Lagos, Nigeria.
“We are happy that CEPACS has chosen Lagos as the venue for their 50th-anniversary celebration. By the grace of God, with the quality of personalities serving on the LOC, and with the support of the entire people of God in the Archdiocese, I believe that the event shall be a resounding success.”
The Thanksgiving/opening Mass will take place at The HOLY CROSS CATHEDRAL, LAGOS and will be broadcast live!