CBCN Elects Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso as New President, Unveils Fresh Leadership Team

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has elected the Archbishop of Kaduna, Matthew Man’oso Ndagoso, as its new president.

He succeeds the Archbishop of Owerri, Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, whose four-year tenure began on March 9, 2022, and has now expired.

The decision was taken during the bishops’ first plenary session currently underway at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) in Abuja.

New Officers Emerge at Abuja Plenary

Alongside Ndagoso’s election, the conference also announced other key appointments to steer the affairs of the Catholic Church in Nigeria.

The Archbishop of Lagos, Alfred Adewale Martins, was elected Vice President. The Bishop of Abeokuta, Peter Odetoyinbo, emerged as Secretary, while the Bishop of Abakaliki, Peter Chukwu, was chosen as Assistant Secretary.

A statement signed by the Secretary General of the Secretariat, Michael Ayanleke Banjo, confirmed that the newly elected officers will be formally presented at the closing ceremony of the plenary scheduled for Wednesday.

Leadership Transition at a Critical Time

The leadership transition comes at a period when the Catholic Church in Nigeria continues to engage with national issues ranging from education and social justice to security and governance.

As president of the CBCN, Archbishop Ndagoso is expected to coordinate the collective voice of Catholic bishops across the country and provide strategic direction on matters affecting the Church and the wider society.

The plenary session in Abuja is expected to conclude with a communiqué outlining key resolutions and priorities for the coming term.