Catholic Diocese of Lafia Holds Maiden General Assembly
Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, has urged church leaders to develop strategies that will encourage greater youth participation in the activities of the church.
He gave the advice while speaking at the opening of the Maiden Diocesan General Assembly of the Catholic Diocese of Lafia, held at Saint Williams Cathedral, Lafia.
Dr. Emmanuel Akabe commended the convocation of the Maiden Diocesan General Assembly of the Catholic Diocese of Lafia, describing the gathering as timely and important, considering the significant role church leaders play in moulding society and making it a better place for all to live.
He urged the faithful to always stand up for one another in times of need, stressing that faith without action is baseless. He also encouraged the participants to come up with practical modalities that would help move the church forward.
Dr. Akabe equally pledged to ensure the construction of the road linking the Shendam Road to the Secretariat of the Catholic Diocese in Lafia.
Chairman of the occasion, Daniel Ogazi, expressed delight over the organisation of the Maiden Diocesan General Assembly, which has as its theme, “Lafia Diocese, Yesterday and Today: Strategizing for the Future.”
He called on participants to use the forum to reflect on their faith in God and make meaningful contributions to the issues raised during the meeting. He also appealed for greater unity and concerted efforts to advance the Catholic Diocese of Lafia.
Bishop of Lafia and Convener of the General Assembly, Most Reverend David Ajang, said the three-day event not only coincided with the celebration of 25 years of the existence of the Lafia Diocese but also provided a platform for key stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting the growth and development of the diocese.
He explained that the gathering would also provide an opportunity to domesticate resolutions, promote shared responsibility and commitment to the faith, as well as strengthen evangelism across all local assemblies.
Most Reverend Ajang, who went down memory lane to highlight the emergence and development of the Lafia Diocese from its creation to date, listed the current administrative structure and governance apparatus, increase in the number of priests, efforts to boost spiritual commitment and diligence, infrastructure development and educational growth as some of the major achievements recorded by the diocese.
He, however, identified some of the challenges encountered by the diocese to include the burning down of the old cathedral, delays in providing a befitting secretariat for the diocese and inadequate manpower, among others.
The Bishop assured that efforts were being made to gradually overcome these challenges and further strengthen the development and activities of the diocese.
