As the Lagos Archdiocese prepares for a crucial season of leadership renewal, the Director of the Lay Apostolate Centre, Very Rev. Fr. Oscar Obi, has declared that resolutions reached at the 2026 Lagos Archdiocesan Laity Council Annual General Meeting (AGM) will significantly reshape the conduct of lay leadership elections and programmes across the Archdiocese. Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Catholic Herald, Very Rev. Fr. Oscar Obi said the AGM resolutions come at a critical time, as the Archdiocese begins general elections from February to elect new lay leaders. According to him, strong emphasis was placed on due process, particularly to curb the irregular suspension or removal of officers, a practice that has generated concern in the past.
“The issue of arbitrary suspensions received serious attention. With everyone now aware of the implications, I believe such occurrences may not happen this year,” he stated. Fr. Obi expressed optimism that increased participation in programmes organised by the Directorate of Lay Apostolate and the Archdiocesan Evangelisation and Missionary Programme (AEMP) would produce more enlightened and mission-driven leaders, capable of carrying out Christ’s mandate effectively within the Archdiocese. He noted that the AGM theme, “Faith and Citizenship: Building a Just and Compassionate Society,” provides a moral compass for the council’s plans, going forward.
The theme, he explained, challenges Christians to actively contribute to the development of society while ensuring that decisions and actions retain a “human face” that promotes justice and dignity for all. Quoting the Archbishop, Fr. Obi reminded the faithful that Christians are citizens of both the City of God and their earthly society, and therefore, cannot shy away from the responsibility of building a just and compassionate community. With these resolutions, the Archdiocese, he said, is setting a new tone for accountable leadership, deeper faith engagement and a stronger witness in society.
