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Valentine’s Day Celebration with the Holy Childhood Association And Teen group at Blessed Iwene Tansi Community, Koko

by with No Comment Salesian CommunitySalesians in Africa

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.

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Obosi Community Oratory Experience

by with No Comment Salesian CommunitySalesians in Africa

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.

Midyear eval3

ANN Province Formation Commission Concludes Strategic Mid-Year Online Evaluation

by with No Comment Salesian Community

ONLINE — The Formation Commission of the Salesians of Don Bosco, ANN Province, successfully conducted its 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 strategise 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 General 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.

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IJEBU-ODE COMMUNITY: The Great Uplifting

by with No Comment ANN ProvinceCommunitySalesian CommunitySalesians in Africa

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.

Fr Peace Ike – Ijebu-Ode.

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ANN Province Formation Commission conclude Strategic Mid-Year Online Evaluation

by with No Comment Salesian CommunitySalesians in Africa

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.

Assembly of confreres_Jan26

ANN Province Confreres Bridge Distances via Historic Virtual Assembly

by with One Comment Salesian CommunitySalesians in Africa

NIGERIA & NIGER REPUBLIC – In a significant display of unity and digital adaptation, the confreres of the ANN Province gathered for a landmark virtual assembly on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

​The three-hour session, which ran from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, marked the first time the province leveraged technology on such a scale to unify members separated by vast geographical distances. From the bustling streets of Lagos to the administrative heart of Abuja, and extending to Koko (Kebbi), Obosi (Anambra), Tse-Mker (Benue), and even across international borders to Arlit and Niamey in the Niger Republic, the digital space became a common ground for fraternity.

​A Strong Digital Presence
​The meeting saw an impressive turnout, with over 89 active profiles logged in simultaneously. While many joined individually, several locations participated as communal hubs:
​The Theologate in Bwari: Joined as a collective body of students and formators.
​Akure & Kubwa Communities: Gathered in their respective local houses to participate in the dialogue.

​Words from the Provincial
​The Provincial Superior took the floor with the words: “May our sharing be sincere, our listening attentive, and our fraternity renewed.” He also offered heartfelt encouragement and acknowledged the dedication of the confreres in their various missions. Key highlights of his address included:
​Project Updates: A detailed briefing on major ongoing provincial projects aimed at growth and sustainability.
​Honest Dialogue: A transparent look at the current challenges facing the province, fostering a spirit of shared responsibility.

​Missionary Zeal: A call to remain steadfast despite the socio-economic and logistical hurdles present in the West African sub-region.
​”Distance is no longer a barrier to our brotherhood. Today, we have proven that our mission is unified, whether we are in the desert of Niger or the heart of Nigeria.”

​Looking Ahead
​While the virtual assembly successfully closed the gap for the start of the year, the Province is already looking toward a more personal encounter. A physical meeting has been scheduled for later in 2026, promising a time of deeper liturgical celebration and face-to-face fellowship.

​The assembly concluded on a high note, leaving members refreshed and better informed about the collective journey of the ANN Province.

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Bld. Ceferino Namuncura Community Youth Centre Hosts Monthly Faith Activities

by with No Comment CommunitySalesian Community

Lagos- Onipetesi – The Bld. Ceferino Namuncurá Community, Onipetesi, through its Youth Centre, successfully held its Monthly Eucharistic Adoration with Young People yesterday, in an atmosphere marked by prayer, learning, and joyful fellowship.

The programme also formed part of Day Four of the Novena in preparation for the Feast of Saint John Bosco, bringing the young people into deeper spiritual communion with the Salesian tradition. In addition, a catechetical session on the Holy Trinity was conducted, offering participants an opportunity to deepen their understanding of this central mystery of the Christian faith.

The gathering concluded on a joyful note with a celebration for members born in December and January, who were warmly feted with songs, good wishes, and the sharing of a celebratory cake. The event reflected the community’s commitment to holistic youth formation, integrating faith, learning, and fraternity.

Fuoye Matric1

FUOYE Holds First Matriculation Ceremony at Akure Study Centre

by with No Comment CommunitySalesian Community

NIGERIA – Akure, Mary Help of Christians- Today marks a significant milestone for the Federal University of Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) as it holds the matriculation ceremony for the pioneer students of its newly established part-time study centre in Akure. The ceremony is taking place at the Oratory of Don Bosco, located within the Mary Help of Christians Parish, Akure.

The opening of this study centre reflects FUOYE’s commitment to expanding access to higher education by bringing university programmes closer to working adults and other learners seeking flexible study options. Through this collaboration, the Don Bosco Oratory provides a conducive academic and moral environment rooted in the Salesian tradition of education, which emphasizes discipline, responsibility, and holistic formation.

The matriculation ceremony formally welcomes the first cohort of students into the FUOYE academic community at this centre. University officials, parish representatives, lecturers, students, and invited guests are present to witness this historic occasion, which signals the beginning of academic life for the new intake.

With this development, the Akure part-time study centre is set to become an important hub for lifelong learning in Ondo State, offering students the opportunity to pursue quality university education while balancing work, family, and other commitments.