Salesians of Don Bosco – Don Bosco ANN

Empowering the Next Generation: Don Bosco ANN Province Receives Monumental IT and Educational Shipment from Austrian Donors

September 9, 2026

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LAGOS, NIGERIA — August 20, 2026 — In a historic milestone for digital literacy and vocational training in Nigeria, a massive shipment containing approximately 400 desktop computers, specialised Apple workstations, and extensive networking and classroom equipment has safely arrived at the Salesian Provincial House in Lagos.

The arrival of the container on August 19, 2026, marks the triumphant conclusion of several months of international logistical operation spearheaded by Prof. Anton Edl of Austria. The project, which commenced in April 2026, represents a powerful partnership between Austrian benefactors and the Salesian Province of Africa Nigeria Niger (ANN) to bridge the digital divide for thousands of underprivileged Nigerian youth.

A Lifetime of Gratitude: The Story Behind the Donation
The seed for this partnership was sown on April 22, 2026, when Prof. Anton Edl initiated discussions to donate high-quality refurbished IT systems to the Salesians of Don Bosco in Nigeria. For Prof. Edl, this massive philanthropic gesture stems from a deeply personal connection to the Salesian mission.

“I grew up in a Don Bosco home in Austria when I was young,” Prof. Edl shared, explaining his lifelong appreciation for the organisation’s work in raising and empowering young people. To make this donation a reality, Prof. Edl partnered with members of his local Austrian parish, who volunteered their time to help sort, pack, and prepare the massive consignment for its maritime journey.

Cutting-Edge Technology to Power Technical Education
The donation was meticulously curated to meet the diverse technical, educational, and creative needs of the province’s youth. Unlike typical generic donations, the equipment consists of robust, high-specification systems tailored for modern learning:

High-Performance Refurbished PCs: Approximately 400 desktop computers, complete with 24-inch flat-panel TFT monitors, mice, and licensed Windows 11 operating systems. To ensure longevity and reliable performance, each machine is configured with at least 8GB of RAM and fast solid-state drives (SSDs).
Specialist Graphic Workstations: A selection of Apple computers specifically designated for advanced video editing and graphic design training.
Enterprise Networking Infrastructure: Three enterprise-grade servers, network switches, and extensive lengths of cabling to build local area networks (LANs) across multiple vocational schools.
Multidisciplinary Tools: Projectors, professional audio recording equipment, digital interfaces, and wireless headphones to support music and multimedia studios.
Classroom Furniture: Sturdy school desks and chairs collected to furnish newly established Salesian classrooms in developing regions.

Local Strategic Collaboration and Technical Planning
To ensure the equipment delivers maximum long-term value, the ANN Province mobilised a specialised technical and planning team. Under the financial and administrative oversight of Fr Raphael Airoboman, the Provincial Economer and Director of the Project Development Office (PDO), the province worked collectively to map out its exact requirements.

Cletus Linus Etukakpan, the Coordinator of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for the ANN Province, spearheaded the consolidation of a detailed institutional “wish list”. Other key technical leaders included Br Sam Job, who leads the Social Communications department, and Fr Moses Paul Uwora, an expert in systems management and networking who manages the “Art 43 Studio” after-school creative space.

To overcome local infrastructural challenges, the province’s technical team designed a sustainable deployment plan. Given the instability of the local power grid, communities receiving the desktop computers will utilise solar power installations, ensuring a clean and continuous energy supply for the students.

Navigating the Logistical Journey
Shipping 135 heavily packed parcels across 11 pallets from the heart of Europe to West Africa was a formidable logistical feat. The container officially departed Austria on June 17, 2026, embarking on a long sea voyage. The vessel carrying the container docked at Apapa Port in Lagos on August 1, 2026, before the container was transferred to the Tin Can Island Port terminal. Fr Raphael Airoboman and the PDO team worked closely with local shipping and customs clearance agents to navigate the rigorous administrative clearances, including the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR). Despite initial clearing benchmarks that went up to several millions in duties, the administrative processes were successfully resolved, and the container was cleared on August 14, 2026, before its final delivery to the Provincial House.

Broad Geographical Distribution and Youth Impact
The newly received IT equipment and furniture will be distributed strategically across several states and regional hubs in Nigeria to maximise its educational impact:

Vocational Upgrades: Upgrading the province’s four Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Vocational Training Centres (VTC) to meet international standards.
Support for New Schools: Distributing classroom furniture and computer labs to newly established Salesian schools in the Northern regions, the Middle Belt, and Benin.
Regional Outreach: Establishing IT learning centres in Ondo, Ogidi, Ibadan, Uyo, and Lagos.
Creative and Medical Sectors: Equipping the Art 43 creative studios with multimedia gear and providing essential support to two Salesian-run clinics.

Sincere Gratitude and a Solemn Commitment to Good Stewardship
With the cargo now safely arrived, the Provincial of the ANN Province, speaking on behalf of the provincial administration, all Salesian communities, and the thousands of young beneficiaries across Nigeria, has expressed profound, heartfelt gratitude to the generous donors in Austria.

Special recognition and deepest thanks go to Prof. Anton Edl, whose leadership, vision, and deep love for the Salesian mission made this monumental project possible. The province also extends its appreciation to the dedicated volunteers from the Austrian parish who poured their energy into packing and organising this shipment.

The Provincial and the ANN Province leadership have formally pledged to make every possible effort to ensure that all regional centres, classrooms, and clinics receive their designated items safely. The province is fully committed to maintaining, protecting, and putting these state-of-the-art tools to the highest and most productive use, fulfilling Prof. Edl’s inspiring charge to “do your best and make Don Bosco proud”. This donation marks a transformative new chapter for technical education in Nigeria, empowering countless young people to build a brighter, more digitally inclusive future.

Salesian Mission in Ijebu-Ode Records Steady Pastoral and Infrastructure Growth

August 6, 2026

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The Salesian mission in the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode has made significant progress in both its pastoral ministry and infrastructure development during the first half of 2026, despite encountering several challenges.

The mission has continued to experience steady spiritual growth among parishioners while advancing several key projects to strengthen pastoral outreach and improve facilities.

Among the major milestones is the completion of the new church building at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Imaweje. The mission also completed the construction of a Marian Grotto dedicated to Mary Help of Christians at the Parish Centre in Ikoto, providing a new space for prayer and devotion.

Work is also progressing at the TASFUED Chaplaincy in Ijagun, where the installation of a PVC ceiling is currently underway. Meanwhile, construction activities have resumed at the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Centre in Ikoto, marking another step forward in the Salesians’ commitment to youth formation and skills development.

The achievements have been attributed to God’s providence, the dedication of the Salesian community, the continued support of the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode, and the leadership of the Provincial.

The Salesian community has also expressed its appreciation to benefactors, donors, parishioners, and friends of Don Bosco whose generosity and prayers continue to sustain the mission’s pastoral and developmental initiatives.

As work continues across the mission, the Salesians remain committed to building God’s Kingdom through the charism of St. John Bosco by fostering faith, education, and integral human development in the communities they serve.

Dr Bisola Otunla delivering a talk on mental health at the ANN Salesian Family Day

Salesian Family Charts a Common Path for the Mission during Salesian Family Day 2026

June 20, 2026

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Akure, Nigeria | June 17–20, 2026

The Salesian Family of the Africa Nigeria-Niger (ANN) Province gathered at Mary Help of Christians Parish, Akure, from 17–20 June 2026 for the annual Salesian Family Day, a moment of prayer, formation, fraternity and shared discernment centred on the Rector Major’s Strenna 2026: “Do Whatever He Tells You” (Jn 2:5): Believers, Free to Serve.

This year’s gathering held a special significance as it also marked the Provincial celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Salesian Cooperators (1876–2026). The jubilee offered an opportunity to give thanks for a century and a half of lay commitment to Don Bosco’s charism while renewing the shared mission of evangelising and educating young people.

The four-day programme brought together members of the various groups of the Salesian Family in the Province under the theme “Together as One Family for the Mission.” Participants took part in conferences on the Strenna, sessions on mental health for mission, family moments, group meetings, the Provincial’s State of the Province address, Eucharistic celebrations and moments of fraternity.

Listening to the Voice that Matters

The highlight of the gathering was an interactive reflection on the Strenna 2026. Working in small groups, participants explored the central question: “Whose voice are we listening to?”

The discussions acknowledged that Nigerian society is filled with competing voices that constantly influence both young people and adults. Participants identified social media, the pressure to succeed at all costs, economic hardship, politics, family expectations, fear, internal struggles and the culture of self-promotion as some of the loudest voices shaping today’s world.

Against this backdrop, the Salesian Family reaffirmed that the voice of Jesus Christ, revealed through the Gospel, must remain the primary guide for every Salesian educator, parent and young person.

To make Christ’s voice more audible in everyday life, participants proposed renewed commitment to prayer, discernment, meditation on the Word of God, faithful living of Don Bosco’s spirituality, mentorship, accompaniment and spiritual direction.

Recognising the “Empty Jars” of Young People

Inspired by the Wedding Feast at Cana, participants reflected on the “empty jars” that characterise the lives of many young people today.

Among the principal challenges identified were spiritual emptiness, unemployment, identity crises, weakening cultural values, neo-paganism, addiction, peer pressure, cyberbullying, cultism, family breakdown, parental pressure, the “Japa” mentality, the desire for quick wealth, distraction and freedom detached from responsibility.

Rather than viewing these realities with pessimism, participants saw them as a call to renew the Preventive System of Don Bosco.

Concrete responses proposed included stronger spiritual accompaniment, guidance and counselling, youth empowerment through skills acquisition and scholarships, responsible use of digital media, greater involvement of families in formation, and increased awareness of the realities affecting young people across the Province.

Choosing the Salesian Way

Reflecting on Mary’s invitation, “Do whatever He tells you,” the groups identified practical commitments for the Province.

They encouraged renewed evangelisation through creative pastoral initiatives, greater outreach to young people beyond Salesian institutions, the use of sports, celebrations and digital media as avenues for evangelisation, inclusion of young people living with disabilities, and stronger educational initiatives for adults where needed.

Participants also challenged the Salesian Family to overcome attitudes that hinder the mission, including distrust of young people and the laity, favouritism, discrimination, the stigmatisation of struggling youth and a lack of intentional pastoral direction.

At the same time, they called for improved youth participation, stronger parent-child relationships, increased Salesian presence among young people, greater appreciation of African cultural values, better succession planning and renewed commitment to fraternal correction within communities.

Becoming Credible Witnesses

The discussions concluded with a shared conviction that the most convincing proclamation of the Gospel is the witness of life.

Participants committed themselves to becoming authentic witnesses of Christ by listening attentively both to Jesus and to young people, creating safe and welcoming environments, strengthening the Preventive System, accompanying young people through friendship and guidance, investing in ongoing formation, organising seminars and workshops, and revitalising the Salesian Family in the Province.

The reflections echoed the conviction that today’s young people are not merely facing problems; they are searching for authentic believers who embody hope and credibility.

Walking Together for the Mission

The celebration concluded with a renewed sense of unity among all branches of the Salesian Family.

As the Province celebrates the 150th Anniversary of the Salesian Cooperators, the gathering reaffirmed that Don Bosco’s mission belongs to the entire Salesian Family—Salesians of Don Bosco, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Salesian Cooperators, Past Pupils, Volunteers of Don Bosco, ADMA members and the many collaborators who share responsibility for the education and evangelisation of the young.

Inspired by Mary’s invitation at Cana, the Salesian Family of the Africa Nigeria-Niger Province leaves Salesian Family Day 2026 with a common commitment: to listen first to Christ, to accompany young people with hope, and to journey together as one family in making God’s transforming love visible in today’s world.

JOBITECH Abuja Hosts Training on Green and Digital Competencies for Technical Educators

May 26, 2026

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Abuja, Nigeria – May 25–28, 2026 — The Project Development Office (PDO), through its P-TVET Office, has commenced a four-day Training of Trainers (ToT) programme at JOBITECH Abuja focused on integrating green and digital competencies into revised technical and vocational education curricula.

The training brings together 20 participants drawn from Don Bosco Technical Institutions and the Federal Government Technical College (FGTC), Orozo, Abuja. The programme is designed to strengthen the capacity of trainers in modern pedagogy, digital literacy, environmental sustainability concepts, and contemporary assessment and testing methodologies.

According to the organisers, the initiative aims to equip educators with the competencies required for the effective implementation of revised curricula that are aligned with labour market demands and quality assurance standards. Special emphasis is being placed on innovative teaching methods, practical assessment skills, and the integration of green practices into technical education.

The programme is sponsored by BMZ and Don Bosco Mondo and is being implemented under Global Programme Two (GP2) by Don Bosco Tech Africa in partnership with PDO Nigeria. The initiative reflects an ongoing commitment to advancing technical and vocational education in line with emerging global trends and workforce needs.

DBIP PROVOST VISITS THE SALESIAN PONTIFICAL UNIVERSITY, ROME

May 23, 2026

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The Provost of Don Bosco Institute of Philosophy, Rev. Fr. Dr. Tolu-Eric Akinboboye SDB, paid an official visit to the Salesian Pontifical University with the aim of strengthening and improving the relationship between the two institutions. The visit provided an important opportunity for dialogue, mutual understanding, and reflection on future academic and institutional collaboration.

During the visit, the provost held separate meetings with the Vice Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Prof. Andrea Bazzolo; the Secretary General of the university, Rev. Fr. Jarosław Rochowiak; and the newly appointed dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, Rev. Fr. Prof. Joshtrom Isaac Kureethadam. The discussions focused on academic cooperation, faculty exchange, research opportunities, institutional support, and the continued formation of students in the Salesian intellectual tradition.

He was accompanied during the visit by Rev. Fr. Joseph Oraegbunam and Rev. Fr. Dr. Matthew Akinyemi, whose presence and contributions enriched the engagements.
The meetings were cordial and fruitful, marked by a spirit of Salesian fraternity and a shared commitment to Catholic higher education. Both institutions expressed their readiness to deepen existing ties and explore new avenues of collaboration for the advancement of philosophical and human formation.

The provost expressed optimism that the visit would further strengthen the bond between the Don Bosco Institute of Philosophy and the Salesian Pontifical University and lead to more fruitful collaboration in the years ahead.

Salesians Strengthen Leadership Through Formation of Vice-Provincials in Rome

April 24, 2026

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The Salesians of Don Bosco have taken a significant step in strengthening leadership and governance across their global network through a week-long formation programme for Vice-Provincials, held in Rome from 19 to 25 April 2026. Fr James Ailen, our vice provincial, was among the participants.

Convened under the guidance of the Rector Major, Fabio Attard, and his Vicar, Stefano Martoglio, the gathering brought together 16 Vice-Provincials from 8 regions, reflecting the international character of the Salesian mission.

At its core, the initiative underscores a key priority of the congregation: ensuring that those entrusted with leadership are not only administratively competent but also deeply rooted in the charism of John Bosco. Vice-Provincials play a crucial role in supporting Provincial Superiors in animation, governance, and the accompaniment of Salesian communities. Their formation, therefore, is essential for sustaining unity, mission effectiveness, and fidelity to Salesian identity.

The programme combined moments of prayer, reflection, and fraternal exchange with thematic sessions on youth ministry, formation, missionary activity, juridical responsibilities, social communication, and economic stewardship. While these sessions provided practical tools for leadership, their deeper aim was to foster a holistic vision of service—one that integrates pastoral sensitivity with organizational responsibility.

In today’s rapidly changing social and cultural landscape, the formation of leaders within religious congregations has become increasingly important. The Salesians, known worldwide for their dedication to the education and evangelization of young people, recognize that effective leadership must respond to emerging challenges such as youth unemployment, digital transformation, and shifting moral frameworks. By investing in the formation of Vice-Provincials, the congregation seeks to ensure that its mission remains both relevant and impactful.

Equally significant was the emphasis on shared experience and intercultural dialogue. Participants engaged in open discussions and moments of communal discernment, allowing them to learn from one another’s contexts and challenges. This exchange reflects a broader ecclesial vision promoted by the Catholic Church—that leadership is exercised not in isolation but through collaboration and synodality.

The formation concluded with a synthesis and evaluation led by the Rector Major and his Vicar, reaffirming the importance of continuous formation in religious life. As the participants return to their respective provinces, they carry with them not only new insights and competencies but also a renewed commitment to serve young people with the spirit of Don Bosco.

Ultimately, this initiative highlights a fundamental conviction: that the vitality of the Salesian mission depends largely on the quality of its leaders. By forming Vice-Provincials who are both spiritually grounded and pastorally effective, the Salesians continue to invest in a future where young people remain at the heart of their apostolic mission.