We join in thanksgiving as the Tse-Mker community continues to witness remarkable growth and development, made possible through God’s providence and the generous support of benefactors.
During a recent visit to the community, the Provincial Economer, Fr Raphael, expressed his joy at the stability and positive atmosphere within the house. He noted with satisfaction that the brothers currently on holiday are well settled and thriving. Many of them have even jokingly expressed their desire to continue their Philosophy studies in Tse-Mker if the opportunity becomes available.
The visit also highlighted the significant progress made across the mission. Among the completed and ongoing projects are the construction of modern toilet facilities, the renovation of student hostels, the drilling of a borehole to provide clean water, the ongoing construction of the community chapel, the partial completion of the school’s perimeter fence, the installation of a solar power system to ensure reliable electricity, the provision of computers to enhance learning, and the awarding of scholarships to deserving students.
These achievements stand as visible signs of God’s blessings and the unwavering generosity of donors who continue to place their confidence in the Province’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship.
As you reflect on these milestones, we are encouraged to give thanks to God for His abundant blessings and to remember in your prayers the benefactors whose generosity continues to transform lives, strengthen the mission, and build a brighter future for the people of Tse-Mker.
Ibadan, Nigeria — The Don Bosco Institute (DBI), Ibadan, today celebrated its Convocation Ceremony, bringing to a close a week-long Students’ Week programme that highlighted academic excellence, community life, and gratitude for the gift of formation.
The convocation marked the culmination of years of intellectual, human, spiritual, and pastoral formation for students enrolled in the Institute’s philosophy programme. The graduating class comprised Salesians of Don Bosco, members of other religious congregations, and lay students who have journeyed together in the pursuit of philosophical studies and personal growth.
The week-long celebration concluded a series of activities aimed at fostering fraternity, reflection, and appreciation for the educational mission of the Institute. The high point of the festivities was the Convocation Ceremony, which celebrated the achievements of the graduating students and their successful completion of an important stage in their academic and vocational journey.
On the eve of the convocation, the graduating class gathered for a solemn Mass of Thanksgiving to express gratitude to God for the blessings, challenges, and accomplishments that characterized their years of study. The Eucharistic celebration provided an opportunity for students, staff, religious communities, and guests to reflect on the transformative role of philosophical formation in preparing young men and women for leadership, service, and ministry.
A particularly moving moment during the celebration was the presentation of a golden bust of St. John Bosco by the graduating class to the Institute. The gift was offered as a lasting sign of appreciation to the institution that has accompanied and nurtured them throughout their years of formation. The bust stands as a symbol of gratitude and a testament to the enduring influence of Don Bosco’s educational vision on the lives of the graduates.
In a congratulatory message, the SS. Versiglia and Caravario Community expressed its joy and pride in the accomplishments of the graduating students.
“We heartily congratulate our final-year students on the occasion of their convocation,” the community stated.
The community paid special tribute to two Salesian confreres whose academic excellence distinguished them among their peers. S. Onoh Kingsley emerged as the Best Graduating Student, while S. Nwokeke Everestus was recognized as the Second Best Graduating Student.
Their remarkable achievement is described as a reflection of their diligence, discipline, commitment to study, and dedication to the pursuit of excellence.
As the graduates prepare to move forward in their respective vocations and professions, the community invoked God’s blessings upon them.
“We pray that God will continue to guide, strengthen, and bless you in your apostolate and future ministry. May the spirit of Don Bosco continue to inspire and accompany you wherever you are sent.”
The Convocation Ceremony served not only as a celebration of academic success but also as a reaffirmation of the Institute’s mission to form intellectually competent, morally grounded, and socially responsible individuals. Through its commitment to philosophical education and holistic formation, the Don Bosco Institute continues to prepare future religious, clergy, and lay leaders for meaningful service in the Church and society.
As the celebrations concluded, the atmosphere was filled with gratitude, hope, and renewed commitment to the values of faith, reason, and service that characterize the Salesian educational tradition.
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.
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.
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.
Access to Justice: Protect, Not Punish | Bosco Home CPC Ibadan
International Day for Street Children · 2026
Protect, Not Punish
“Access to Justice: Protect, Not Punish”
📍 Ogungbade, Ibadan📅 April 9, 2026🏠 Bosco Home CPC Ibadan
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Against the backdrop of Easter week and the global chorus calling for a fairer world, the Bosco Home Child Protection Centre (CPC) Ibadan convened a powerful roundtable to mark the 2026 International Day for Street Children — held at the SS Versiglia and Caravario Community, Ogungbade, Ibadan.
Anchored by the theme “Access to Justice: Protect, Not Punish,” the event brought together a broad coalition of government agencies, civil society organisations, financial institutions, and community leaders — all united by a single purpose: to confront the systemic failures that leave Nigeria’s most vulnerable children without protection, recourse, or hope.
01
A Room of Voices, A Nation’s Responsibility
The roundtable drew representatives from an impressive range of stakeholders spanning government, civil society, and the private sector.
Ministry of Women Affairs
Zenith Bank Plc
Public Complaints Commission
NDLEA
FRSC
National Orientation Agency
Community Development Council, Egbeda LGA
Assoc. of Shelter & Homes Operators — Oyo
Child Protection Network, Oyo State
Assoc. of Orphans & Vulnerable Children
Nigeria Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
Oyo State PTA
The convergence of these voices was itself a statement — that the welfare of street children is not the burden of one ministry or one charity, but a shared national obligation.
Street children are not a problem to be managed. They are children to be protected, heard, and given every access to justice that any child deserves.
02
The Programme: From Dialogue to Action
The morning began with registration and networking at 9:00 AM at the Don Bosco Child Protection Centre, followed by an opening prayer and the singing of the national, Oyo State, and BCPC anthems. A welcome address by the host organisation set a tone of urgency and partnership, before guests were formally introduced and the day’s objectives outlined.
The keynote address was delivered by Rev. Fr. Linus Onyenagubor, whose presentation on “Understanding the Plight of Street Children and Urgent Interventions” grounded the day’s discussions in lived realities — the daily exposure of children on Nigeria’s streets to exploitation, violence, and a justice system that too often punishes vulnerability rather than protecting it.
Interspersed throughout the proceedings, the Don Bosco Boys offered four presentations — including a welcome song, choreography, and cultural performances — reminding everyone present of who this gathering was truly for: the children themselves.
The roundtable sessions featured four speakers addressing themes of institutional response, community engagement, safeguarding frameworks, and reporting mechanisms. Interactive dialogue followed each presentation, with the open floor session allowing partner organisations to raise questions and forge shared commitments. The event concluded with the development of concrete action points — transforming dialogue into a roadmap for change.
03
A Full Week of Purpose
The roundtable was the centrepiece of a broader week-long programme of engagement, each day building toward the event’s most visible moment of witness.
April 8, 2026
Welcome of Volunteers
Animators Without Borders arrived at the centre, bringing international solidarity and additional capacity for the days ahead.
April 9, 2026 · Easter Thursday
Roundtable Discussion
The landmark multi-stakeholder forum held at the Youth Centre Hall, 9:00 AM — the heart of the week’s advocacy.
April 10, 2026 · Good Friday
Joint Preparation Meeting
Third-year confreres, BCPC staff, and volunteers gathered at the Youth Centre Hall to prepare for the Street Walk.
April 11, 2026
Street Walk
Beginning at 9:00 AM from Ibadan Gate and Mokola — the message of the week carried directly to the streets, meeting children where they are.
April 12, 2026
Holy Mass at St. Gabriel’s
A closing Mass of thanksgiving and continued intercession — committing the week’s work to God and the children at the heart of this mission.
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A Landmark Worth Acknowledging
Special acknowledgement is extended to Rev. Fr. Linus Onyenagubor, whose vision and coordination made this landmark event possible. In a nation where child protection frameworks are often underfunded and inconsistently enforced, gatherings like this one — which bring policy, community, and conscience to the same table — represent exactly the kind of intentional, multi-sector collaboration that sustainable change requires.
Child Protection agentsFr Daniel AgborFr Linus Onyenagubor – CPC
The young Salesian mission of St Josephine Bakhita in Arlit came alive with joy and gratitude as the community celebrated Easter with deep faith and vibrant charity.
The celebration marked a significant milestone for the growing mission, as several young people received the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist for the first time. This moment of grace was a source of great joy not only for the recipients but also for the entire Christian community, highlighting the steady growth of the faith in this young and dynamic mission.
In the true spirit of Easter, the celebration extended beyond the liturgy into concrete acts of love and solidarity. A special “Galilee moment” was organised, during which gifts, food, and drinks were shared with young migrants and children from a local orphanage. This gesture of generosity embodied the joy of the Risen Christ, reaching out especially to the most vulnerable.
This charitable initiative was made possible through the collaboration of parishioners, Friends of Don Bosco, and the Committee for Solidarity and Development in Arlit. Their support and commitment played a vital role in making the celebration both meaningful and impactful.
The Salesian community expressed heartfelt gratitude to Almighty God for the gift of this mission and for the many signs of hope and life witnessed during the Easter celebration.
The Salesian presence in the historic Roman district of Testaccio dates back to the beginning of the twentieth century. The origin of the Opera Salesiana Testaccio can be traced to the year 1900, when the primary apostolate entrusted to the Salesians was the care of the primary schools affiliated with the Holy See.
The parish of Santa Maria Liberatrice, Rome-Testaccio
Initially, the mission had been proposed to the Benedictines of St. Anselm. However, Pope St. Pius X personally encouraged Don Michele Rua, the first successor of St. John Bosco, to entrust the work to the Salesians. Accepting the Pope’s invitation, Don Rua sent confreres who travelled daily from the Salesian community of the Sacro Cuore (Sacred Heart) in central Rome to carry out the mission in Testaccio. What began as a modest educational initiative gradually grew into a vibrant centre of Salesian pastoral activity.
The Parish Apostolate
As the Salesian presence took root in the neighbourhood, the pastoral needs of the local population also became part of the mission. This development led to the establishment of the parish Santa Maria Liberatrice (St. Mary the Liberator), which was officially consecrated on 29 November 1908.
With the parish came a new and dynamic dimension of Salesian life: the oratory. Faithful to the spirit of Don Bosco, the oratory quickly became a gathering place for large numbers of young people who came daily for prayer, formation, recreation, and companionship. The mission in Testaccio thus expanded beyond the classroom to embrace parish ministry, youth pastoral work, and educational formation.
Over time, the Salesian work in the area developed its distinctive character. Parish activities flourished, youth groups and pious associations were formed, and the oratory became a lively centre of Christian and social life for the young people of the district.
The Birth of the Salesian Community
For many years, the Salesians serving in Testaccio still officially belonged to the community of Sacro Cuore in Rome. This situation continued until 1921, when the Salesian community of Testaccio was formally established under the patronage of St. Joseph Cafasso, the spiritual guide of Don Bosco.
As the decades passed, the educational apostolate that had marked the beginning of the mission gradually changed. The school, once the primary focus of the work, was progressively reduced until 1980, when it remained only with primary classes. The unused classrooms were then adapted to serve another important Salesian need: housing for Salesian seminarians and students pursuing studies in philosophy and theology in Rome.
An International Salesian Community
Today, the Salesian community of Testaccio reflects the international character of the Congregation. Over the years, the seminarians who once lived here have been replaced by Salesians from different parts of the world who come to Rome for specialization and studies at the Pontifical Universities.
At present, the community is home to 38 confreres representing countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Italy, Nigeria, Congo, Tanzania, Kenya, and India, among others. The community is led by Fr. Orestes Carlinhos Fistarol, who serves as Rector.
Life in Testaccio therefore, continues the rich Salesian tradition of study, fraternity, and pastoral commitment. The community not only serves the local parish and youth but also forms part of the wider mission of the Congregation by supporting the academic and spiritual formation of Salesians from across the globe.
A Visit from the Province
Recently, the community had the joy of welcoming the Provincial and the Provincial Economer, who are currently visiting confreres studying or working in Europe. Their visit was a moment of fraternal encounter, encouragement, and renewed connection with the Province.
Deacon Ekene-Maria Adizue with the Provincial of ANN Province, Fr Peter Morba
For those of us living and studying far from home, such visits are a reminder that we remain deeply united with our confreres and our mission back in the Province. It was a moment of shared conversation, prayer, and reflection on the ongoing mission of Don Bosco in different parts of the world.
Even here in the heart of Rome, the spirit of Don Bosco continues to live on — in community life, in pastoral service, and in the commitment to form ourselves more deeply for the service of the young.
When I arrived at the community of the Catacombs of San Callisto on 21 January, I received a warm Salesian welcome from the rector and Fr Paschal from ZMB. Providence arranged my arrival at a curious moment: the catacombs were closed to the public, and many confreres had taken the opportunity for family visits. Out of a lively community of eighteen, we were only six at the table, proof that even in Rome, the early Church experience of “small communities” is still alive!
Fr Matthew Adetiloye at the Catacomb of St Callistus, Rome
Deacon Ekene Maria with Fr Peter Morba and Fr Matthew Adetiloye
Gradually, the confreres returned, and by 12 February the house was fully operational again. In fact, the full community is quite an international gathering: 18 confreres from 14 different countries. One could say the catacombs are not only ancient but also wonderfully global. One thing quickly became clear: if anyone imagines a sabbatical here as a comfortable armchair, a quiet book, and perhaps a contemplative espresso… well, the catacombs may kindly invite you to reconsider. Down here, even “rest” has to pass through a staircase.
Meanwhile, I began Italian school on 2 February at the A2 level, bravely skipping the beginner stage thanks to some previous knowledge and, I must confess, the tireless evangelising efforts of the Duolingo owl. After a month, I completed the level and have now progressed to B1, which should conclude at the end of March. In short, the martyrs spoke Latin, the pilgrims speak everything else, and I am trying my best to keep up in Italian.
Life here moves at a brisk pace. I return from school around 1:50 p.m., have lunch, and complete assignments, and by 3:00 p.m., I am already back in the catacombs. Our principal task is guiding pilgrims and tourists through the underground galleries. Each visit lasts about 55 minutes and departs every half hour in various languages. My own apostolate is in English.
The schedule runs from 8:45 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., with a modest lunch break of about ninety minutes. This continues every day except Wednesday, when the catacombs is closed to the public. Among ourselves, we call Wednesday “our Sunday”, a small resurrection in the middle of the week.
What makes the experience fascinating is the challenge it presents: imagine meeting people you may never see again and having just 55 minutes to transmit something of faith. Through the stories of the martyrs, the witness of the early Christians, and the memory of the popes buried there, the catacombs themselves become a kind of underground catechism. The walls do not speak, but somehow, they preach.
For me, this sabbatical has become something different from what I first imagined. I expected perhaps a quieter period of study (mercifully without exams). Instead, I discovered another way of being Salesian: changing the field of work while remaining fully in mission, even several metres beneath the surface of Rome.
One final note for confreres who might be considering a similar experience: there are many rooms available here, especially for English-speaking confreres. And I can assure you, it is an experience worth having. Just be prepared… apostolic life sometimes leads us to unexpected places. In this case, quite literally underground.
Fr James Ailen conducting the Safeguarding Workshop at Ibadan
The Salesian communities within the ANN Province recently conducted a series of strategic formation sessions aimed at fostering professional synergy and reinforcing our commitment to child protection. These sessions were held at the Ibadan (Post-Novitiate) community on February 19, followed by workshops at Mary Help of Christians, Akure, and St. Jude Science and Technical College, Tse-Mker, today, February 20.
Strengthening Team Synergy
Each program commenced with interactive team-building exercises and icebreakers. These activities were designed to alleviate professional stress and cultivate a genuine “family spirit”—a cornerstone of our educational philosophy—ensuring that staff members across all departments are aligned in mission and morale.
Reaffirming Our Commitment to Safeguarding
A central component of these gatherings was a comprehensive review of the Safeguarding Policy. This session served two critical purposes:
Onboarding: Newly appointed staff members formally committed to the protection of young people and vulnerable adults.
Professional Development: Established staff engaged in a collaborative exchange of best practices regarding the safety and well-being of those in our care.
Our Core Philosophy
The provincial mandate remains clear: young people in our institutions must not only be safe in principle but must feel safe in practice. Through collective vigilance and shared responsibility, we continue to uphold the highest standards of institutional integrity.
Together, we are capable of achieving this vital mission.
Ss, Versiglia and Caravario Community, IbadanFr Joshua Pilaku conducting the staff and students of St Jude Science and Technical College, Tse-MkerSt Joseph the Worker community, Tse-MkerMary Help of Christians community, Akure
