More than 500 members of the Knights and Ladies of Saint John International (KSJI) have commenced a month-long intensive training programme on Catholic Social Teaching aimed at promoting ethical leadership and civic responsibility in Nigeria.
The training, which opened in Abuja on Friday, is designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of their roles in nation building and encourage active participation in promoting peace, justice and social development.
Declaring the programme open, the Grand Spiritual Director, Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, represented by Rev. Fr. Lawrence Emehel, described the initiative as a major global event within the Catholic community.
He explained that the training, themed “Catholic Social Teaching as a Framework for Ethical Leadership and Nation Building in Nigeria,” was organised by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in collaboration with the Catholic Caritas Foundation Nigeria.
According to him, the programme also received support from the Abuja Grand Commandery and Laux Knights of John International.
Banjo said the initiative was intended to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to foster unity, peace and responsible citizenship within the Church and the wider society.
He urged participants to apply the lessons from the training in ways that would positively influence their communities and contribute to building a better nation.
“The essence of the training is to prepare us as knights to face the various challenges we go through in the society.
“The Catholic Social Teaching is about deepening and strengthening our faith. It is a platform for us to have better understanding of what we are expected to do and the role we are expected to play in the society,” he said.
Also speaking, the Grand President of the Abuja Grand Commandery, KSJI, Brig.-Gen. Francis Njoku, said the programme was designed to provide participants with the practical knowledge needed to advance the goals of Catholic Social Teaching for national development.
Njoku noted that the training would encourage members to translate their faith into practical actions capable of benefiting both the Church and society.
The Abuja Grand Respected President, Noble Sister Amaka Umuokeke, expressed confidence that the workshop would strengthen the contributions of KSJI members to social and community development.
She added that the training would further deepen members’ understanding of social justice, human dignity and the common good, which remain central principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
Speaking on the objectives of the programme, the Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Augustine Okogbua, said the initiative was specifically designed to bridge the gap between religious faith and service to humanity.
He explained that participants would be trained to demonstrate their faith through active involvement in civic duties and social responsibilities.
Okogbua described the timing of the programme as significant, especially as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the training will help prepare Catholic faithful to promote ethical leadership, peaceful coexistence and responsible conduct during the election period.
