CBCN Appoints Fr. Michael Banjo as Secretary General of Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria

Ekohotblog reports that the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has appointed Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Michael .A. Banjo as the new Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Abuja. His appointment will take effect from January 1, 2025.

 

This announcement has been met with public joy, particularly within the Diocese of Ijebu-Ode and the entire Catholic community in Nigeria.

 

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Fr. Banjo, currently the Director of the Pastoral Affairs Department at the Secretariat and Deputy Secretary General, will succeed Very Rev. Fr. Zacharia Nyantiso Samjumi.

 

As Secretary General, Fr. Banjo will manage the day-to-day administration of the Secretariat on behalf of the CBCN, ensuring effective coordination across its various departments and pastoral agencies.

 

A dedicated priest from the Ijebu-Ode Diocese, Fr. Banjo was ordained on July 18, 1998.

 

He brings with him a wealth of experience and academic achievements, having trained at SS. Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan, and furthered his studies abroad.

 

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His academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Ibadan, a Bachelor of Sacred Theology from Urban University in Rome, and advanced degrees in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome.

 

Fr. Banjo also holds a Master of Arts in Government and Politics, with a specialization in International Relations, and a Diploma in International Law and Diplomacy from St. John’s University, New York.

 

Throughout his years of service, Fr. Banjo has held various pastoral and administrative roles, including Parish Priest of St. Michael Parish in Ago-Iwoye, Chaplain of the Nigeria Federation of Catholic Students at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Judicial Vicar of Ijebu-Ode Diocese, and Director of the Family and Human Life Department.

 

He has also served as a Judge at the Lagos Inter-diocesan Marriage Tribunal and is a noted author, known for his Canonical Guide series.

 

His passion for music has also earned him admiration within the Church.

 

He was appointed as Deputy Secretary General in December 2020, Fr. Banjo’s leadership and commitment have been key to his promotion to Secretary General.

 

The CBCN has expressed its best wishes to him and the CSN team, hoping for continued impactful service to both the Church and Nigerian society.

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