By Deborah Mdima Adekaa.
The Catholic Bishops of Nigeria have called for honest, people-centred and morally responsible leadership as they began their second plenary conference of 2026 in Osogbo, Osun State.
The Bishops said Nigeria could overcome its numerous social and economic challenges only when political leaders placed truth, integrity, justice and the common good at the centre of governance.
The call was contained in a message issued as the Bishops gathered for the plenary conference, which officially opened on Sunday, September 13, at St. Benedict’s Cathedral, Osogbo.
The conference, hosted jointly by the dioceses within the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province — Ibadan, Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, Ilorin and Osogbo — will continue until September 18.
The Bishops identified injustice, poverty, hunger, unemployment and insecurity among the challenges confronting the country, expressing hope for a Nigeria where these social ills would be drastically reduced or ultimately eliminated.
They also urged Nigerians, especially political leaders, to contribute positively towards ensuring peaceful and credible elections in 2027.
According to them, the country needs an electoral process founded on integrity and justice and driven by what they described as “politics with morality.”
The Bishops’ activities ahead of the formal opening included a meeting with representatives of the Nigeria Diocesan Catholic Priests Association (NDCPA) on September 11.
At the meeting, Rev. Fr. George Ehusani delivered a lead presentation at a seminar on Gender-Based Violence Prevention, which was followed by extensive discussions and an exchange of ideas.
On September 12, the Bishops also interacted with specially invited lay persons from across the Ecclesiastical Province of Ibadan.
The session featured a paper presented by former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. John Kayode Fayemi, and provided an opportunity for participants to exchange views on issues affecting the country.
The conference also featured a cultural evening, where the Bishops were treated to colourful Yoruba dances accompanied by traditional talking drums.
The vibrant performance drew admiration from the Bishops, some of whom joined the dancers as they responded to the rhythms of traditional Yoruba music.
The Bishops called on Nigerians to pray for the success of the conference and for the emergence of a better nation.
They invoked the intercession of Mary, Mother of Good Counsel, for the Church and Nigeria.