Course on Catholic Social Teaching in Nigeria to Foster Justice, Human Rights: Official

Abuja, 21 March, 2024 / 6:25 PM

In a bid to promote the core principles of Catholic Social Teaching (CST), the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has launched a comprehensive course aimed at educating individuals to become advocates and educators of justice and human rights.

In a Tuesday, March 19 interview with ACI Africa, CSN Deputy Secretary General, Fr. Michael Banjo, provided details about the course that was launched on March 14 at the CNS headquarters in Abuja.

Fr. Banjo said the course on Catholic Social Teaching seeks to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools to advocate for social justice, human rights, and the common good.

He said participants would delve into topics such as solidarity, subsidiarity, stewardship of creation, and preferential option for the poor and vulnerable.

“Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and practical exercises, participants will gain a deeper understanding of CST principles and learn how to apply them in their daily lives and communities,” Fr. Banjo said. 

He added, “Upon completion of the course, participants will be encouraged to become ambassadors of CST, spreading awareness and fostering dialogue on issues of social justice and human dignity.” 

“The launch of this course represents a proactive step by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria to empower individuals to become agents of positive change in their societies,” the Nigerian Catholic Priest said. 

Fr. Banjo noted that by promoting the timeless values of CST, the Catholic Church aims to inspire individuals to uphold the dignity of every human person and “work towards building a more just and compassionate world.”

Also speaking to ACI Africa March 17, the Executive Secretary (ES) of Caritas Nigeria, Fr. Uchechukwu Obodoechina said the course has been facilitated by Caritas Nigeria, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and Veritas University.

Fr. Obodoechina said, “These three parties came together to organize this training. CRS and Caritas Nigeria will provide the funding. Then Veritas University will do the teaching and the certification.”

According to Fr. Obodoechina, the pilot phase of the training program will start with 17 selected persons who, after being trained, will train others in dioceses, provinces and at the National level.

“We're beginning here at the Secretariat, among those employed by the Bishops Conference, after which we go further to dioceses, provinces, and then other institutions to teach solidarity, humanity, subsidiarity, love, peace among us, living together in a society, contributing to the well-being of others, the common good of society,” he said.