We wish our Rector Major, the 11th successor of Don Bosco, a very happy birthday! Wishing you many blessed years ahead.🥳🎊🥂
Salesian Cooperators Elect New Executive Council in Lagos
Lagos, Nigeria – February 28, 2026 – The Salesian Cooperators of Don Bosco, St. Joseph’s Community, CCHS, Omole, Lagos, have successfully conducted elections to constitute a new Executive Council (EXCO) to oversee the affairs of the association.
The election, held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, began with an address by the outgoing coordinator, Mr. Rowland Okwechime, who welcomed members and presented a comprehensive report of his six-year tenure. The electoral process was subsequently conducted by the Delegate, Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Akortsaha, SDB, assisted by the laity chairman, in accordance with the guidelines of the Project of Apostolic Life (PAL).
At the conclusion of the exercise, the following members were elected to the new Executive Council:
Coordinator: Mr. Ignatius Anukwu
Secretary: Mrs. Victoria Onuoha
Treasurer: Mrs. Benice Akinyemi
Formator: Mrs. Ngozi Ezenwankwo
Youth Animator: Mrs. Rose Okwechime
In view of the demands of the Youth Animator role, the Delegate nominated Ms. Miriam Akpamgbo to assist in that capacity.
In his remarks, the newly elected Coordinator, Mr. Ignatius Anukwu, expressed appreciation to members for their trust and called on the new EXCO to serve with diligence and commitment, emphasizing that their service is a divine calling to support and guide young people. He also extended gratitude to the outgoing Coordinator, Mr. Okwechime, for his dedication and leadership over the years.
The event concluded with prayers led by Fr. Akortsaha for the newly elected officers, entrusting their responsibilities to God’s guidance. The occasion also featured a group photograph to mark the transition.
Rowland Okwechime – Former Coordinator.
Provincial Council Meets with Obosi Community and Stakeholders on the Future of TVET in the Province
The Provincial Council of the Salesian Province met yesterday with the Salesian community in Obosi and key stakeholders to review the current situation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) within the Province, with particular attention to the situation of the Obosi TVET centre.
The meeting brought together representatives of the Salesian community, members of the Past Pupils association, the Chairman of the Secondary School’s Parents–Teachers Association (PTA), and some members of the school staff. The gathering provided an opportunity for open dialogue and shared reflection on the challenges and opportunities facing Salesian technical education in the Province.
In the spirit of synodality—marked by attentive listening, participation, and a shared search for solutions—the meeting focused on understanding the present realities of the Province’s TVET initiatives. Participants examined the current performance of the centres, levels of student enrolment, and the challenges affecting their operations. At the same time, the discussion highlighted existing strengths and potential areas for growth, identifying gaps that need to be addressed in order to strengthen the mission of technical education for young people, especially the poor and marginalized.
A significant area of discussion concerned certification standards for Salesian technical institutions. Participants emphasized the importance of aligning the Province’s TVET programmes with national accreditation bodies to ensure that training offered in Salesian centres meets recognized professional standards. Such alignment, they noted, is essential for guaranteeing the credibility of Salesian technical training and for enhancing the employability of young graduates.
The meeting also explored ways of improving collaboration among the various centres and stakeholders. Proposals were made for establishing more effective mechanisms for regular communication and joint initiatives, which would allow institutions within the Province to learn from one another and work together more closely. Resource sharing—particularly the sharing of trainers, technical expertise, and equipment—was identified as a practical way to strengthen the quality of training across the Province.
Particular attention was given to the situation of the Obosi TVET centre. Participants discussed the ongoing process of migration and the practical considerations needed to ensure continuity and sustainability of the programme. The conversation highlighted the need for a carefully coordinated transition that safeguards both the educational mission and the interests of the young people served by the institution.
Throughout the discussions, three major themes clearly emerged: the migration process affecting the Obosi TVET, the need for proper certification and accreditation of technical programmes, and the development of a long-term sustainability plan for TVET initiatives in the Province.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue working together to strengthen Salesian technical education. Building on the reflections and insights gathered during the dialogue, the Provincial and his Council began further deliberations today to study these points in greater depth and to develop a more concrete action plan for the future of TVET in the Province.
The ongoing discernment reflects the Province’s dedication to ensuring that Salesian technical education remains a credible, sustainable, and effective response to the needs of young people, especially those who stand most in need of opportunity and professional formation.
Salesian Community in Benin Receives Vehicle to Support Pastoral Mission
Benin City, Nigeria – The Salesian community in Benin has received a vehicle to support its pastoral and outreach activities, thanks to the generous collaboration between the Province and the Salesian community in Onitsha.
The car, which was carefully repaired and prepared for use, will greatly improve mobility for the community. For some time, the confreres in Benin had faced challenges in carrying out their mission due to the poor condition of their previous pickup vehicle. The newly presented car is expected to strengthen their ability to reach out more effectively to the faithful and the young people they serve.
The community expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Onitsha community and to the Province for their solidarity and support, noting that the gesture reflects the strong spirit of fraternity that sustains the Salesian mission.
Retreat and Quinquennium Formative Meeting
The Retreat and Quinquennium Formative Meeting, held under the theme “Called to Mercy and Compassion” and preached by Fr. Samuel Okwuiedegbe, S.J. and “Salesians formed for the mission” by Fr. Tony Ekezie, SDB, provided an important moment of spiritual renewal and formative reflection for participants.
The retreat emphasised the rediscovery of God’s mercy as the foundation of Christian vocation and ministry. Confreres were invited to recognise that human weaknesses are not obstacles but privileged spaces where God’s grace becomes active. By accepting themselves as the first recipients of divine compassion, they are better disposed to extend understanding, reconciliation, and genuine love to others. The retreat highlighted the call to become instruments of hope, healing, and fraternity, even when living compassion requires sacrifice and generosity.
Building on this spiritual foundation, the Quinquennium Formative Meeting focused on the practical living of the vocation in community and mission. In the first session, facilitated by Fr. Samuel Okwuiedegbe, S.J., attention was given to the importance of affective maturity in priestly and consecrated life. Celibacy was presented not as a rejection of love but as an invitation to love more freely, sincerely, and universally. The reflections stressed the need for emotional balance, self-awareness, and healthy relationships as essential elements for avoiding unhealthy isolation and fostering authentic and joyful ministry.
The second session, facilitated by Fr. Tony Ekezie, SDB. highlighted the significance of the first five years after ordination or final profession as a privileged period for growth in identity and commitment to the Salesian mission, particularly among the young and the poor. Confreres were encouraged to remain open to ongoing formation and to cultivate a healthy integration of prayer and pastoral service. The Eucharist, personal prayer, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation were emphasised as vital sources of strength for sustaining missionary zeal and fostering lasting fruitfulness in ministry.
Finally, the retreat and formative meeting offered Confreres an opportunity to deepen their awareness of God’s mercy while strengthening their commitment to continuous growth, community life, and dedicated service in the Church’s mission.
Valentine’s Day Celebration with the Holy Childhood Association And Teen group at Blessed Iwene Tansi Community, Koko
The gathering was both engaging and uplifting, as the children participated enthusiastically in activities designed to help them understand the importance of loving one another and fostering a spirit of friendship and compassion. Beyond the excitement and joy that characterised the celebration, special emphasis was placed on helping the children recognise their inherent worth and reminding them that they are deeply loved by God and valued within the Church community.
The Holy Childhood Association (HCA) of the Blessed Iwene Tansi Community, Koko, marked this year’s Valentine’s Day with a memorable and spiritually enriching celebration for the children. The event provided a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the true essence of love—selfless, Christ-centred love expressed through kindness, unity, and service to others.
The celebration was strongly supported and guided by the Youth Director, Rev. Fr. Rolland, fondly known as “Fada Ever Ready”, whose commitment to youth formation continues to inspire and nurture the spiritual growth of the young members. His leadership and dedication played a significant role in the event’s success.
As the young members continue to grow and mature, the session provided a valuable platform for them to gain deeper insight into the principles of good and wholesome relationships. The programme emphasised respect, responsibility, self-worth, and the importance of making informed choices.
It was an engaging and interactive moment, as participants were given the opportunity to openly ask questions and share concerns related to relationships and personal development. The atmosphere was both lively and reflective, encouraging honest dialogue and learning.
The event not only celebrated the spirit of Valentine’s Day but also reinforced the community’s commitment to guiding young people toward healthy values and positive social interactions.
Overall, the Valentine’s Day celebration was not only a time of fun and fellowship but also a moment of spiritual formation, reinforcing the mission of the Holy Childhood Association to raise children who embody faith, love, and service.
Obosi Community Oratory Experience
The Obosi Community joyfully reflects on a truly uplifting Oratory gathering held yesterday. The event was marked by a deep sense of spiritual renewal, fellowship, and shared faith among participants.
We give heartfelt thanks to God Almighty for His abundant goodness and mercy, which were evident throughout the gathering. His presence inspired meaningful engagement, strengthened our unity as a community, and enriched our time of prayer and reflection.
We remain grateful for the opportunity to come together in faith and look forward to future gatherings that will continue to nurture spiritual growth and communal harmony.
IJEBU-ODE COMMUNITY: The Great Uplifting
With gratitude to God, the Ijebu-Ode Community continues to witness remarkable growth and development in many aspects of its life and mission. Truly, the theme “The Great Uplifting” reflects the steady progress recorded in beekeeping, agriculture, fish farming and production, construction, and community life.
The apiary project has been successfully established, with nine beehive boxes already installed. Although the hives are yet to be occupied by bee colonies, the community remains hopeful and prayerful that nature will soon favour the project with thriving colonies.
In the area of agriculture, the community vegetable garden has been established with various crops, including ugu, okro, green vegetables, and pawpaw, currently at the nursery stage. The community is optimistic that this initiative will soon contribute meaningfully to both nutrition and sustainability.
The fish farm and feed mill are also making encouraging progress. We have already begun smoking and selling fish from the investment, which was initiated at the inception of this administration. This marks a positive step toward self-sufficiency and economic empowerment within the community.
In the area of education and youth development, the St. Joseph’s School playground facilities and installations have been completed. This project was generously sponsored by the Salesian Voluntary Missionary Service, Krakow, Poland, and will be commissioned on Monday, 9th March by the Diocesan Director of Education. The playground will serve as an important recreational and developmental space for the school’s pupils.
The Mary Help of Christians Parish Grotto project is also progressing steadily and continues to receive remarkable support from parishioners and friends, reflecting the community’s deep Marian devotion.
Furthermore, an important milestone will be reached as the foundation of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church will be laid on Monday, 9th March by the Dean of Iloti Deanery. The project is proudly sponsored by the PDO, while the foundation excavation work has already been completed, paving the way for the next phase of construction.
Indeed, these achievements testify to the spirit of cooperation, faith, and commitment within the community. As the journey continues, the Ijebu-Ode Community remains grateful to God and hopeful for even greater accomplishments ahead.
ANN Province Formation Commission conclude Strategic Mid-Year Online Evaluation
ONLINE — The Formation Commission of the Salesians of Don Bosco, ANN Province, successfully conducted its Mid-Year Meeting and Evaluation of the 3 Aspirantates, Prenovitiate, Novitiate, Postnovitiate and Theology house, from March 2–3, 2026. Held via an online platform, the two-day intensive session brought together formation delegates and directors to review the progress of Salesian candidates and strategize for the future of formation in the province.
Day 1: Reviewing the Journey of Formation
The meeting commenced on Monday, March 2, with opening prayers and a warm welcome to the members of the Province Formation Commission (PFC). The morning session focused on administrative continuity, beginning with the review of the minutes from the last physical meeting held in November 2025.
A significant portion of the day was dedicated to a comprehensive Mid-Year Evaluation. Directors from the various stages of formation—ranging from the pre-novitiate to post-novitiate levels—presented brief evaluations detailing the growth, progress, and specific challenges encountered within their respective houses.
A key highlight was the presentation by Fr Damian Akintemi, the Novice Master, who addressed the complexities of quarterly and community experience assessments. His session opened a dialogue on navigating the difficulties of evaluating confreres in formation to ensure a balanced approach to their vocational growth. The day concluded with an update on the ongoing Formation Plan Review, ensuring the province remains aligned with global Salesian standards.
Day 2: Looking Toward the Future and GC29
On Tuesday, March 3, the Commission shifted its focus toward implementation and future collaborations. Central to the discussion was the General Chapter 29 (GC29) document. Members deliberated on practical suggestions for implementing the GC29 directives on formation within the specific context of the ANN Province.
In a move toward inclusivity and shared mission, the Commission explored:
- Proposals for the ongoing formation of formation house teams and guides.
- Strategies for joint formation initiatives involving Salesian lay collaborators.
“Formation in Mission”, a session led by Fr Stephen Omoniyi, the Mission Delegate, which emphasised the inseparable link between Salesian identity and missionary zeal.
Upcoming Extraordinary Visit
During the open forum, the Commission discussed the highly anticipated visit of the Regional Councillor for Formation to selected formation houses in the ANN Province, scheduled for May 2026. Members noted that this visit would serve as a vital moment of communion with the whole congregation and an opportunity to showcase the province’s commitment to nurturing authentic Salesian vocations.
The meeting ended with a spirit of optimism and a renewed commitment to the accompaniment of young confreres. After a session of general comments and concluding remarks, the meeting was brought to a formal close with prayers, setting a clear roadmap for the remainder of the formation year.
NOVENA TO SAINT JOHN BOSCO
(22ND-30TH JANUARY)
“We should say little about Don Bosco but a great deal like Don Bosco.” – (Venerable Fr Joseph Quadrio SDB)
The Novena can be inserted in the evening prayer (A) or take the place of the spiritual reading (B)
A: Novena within the Evening Prayer
Oh God, come to our aid…/glory be…
Hymn from the evening prayer of the day
Introducing the theme of the day
Divine office/evening prayers
Scripture/input
Magnificat Antiphon/magnificat
Intercessory prayers from the Novena
Novena prayer to St John Bosco
Our father
Concluding prayer
Hymn to Don Bosco
Remember that the Salesian Proper is used on the 22nd January (Blessed Laura Vicuna), 24th (Saint Francis de Sales), and 30th (Blessed Bronislas Markiewicz)
