The Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos has announced the appointment of two new Assistant Directors for the Directorate of Social Communications. Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Fashanu, Associate Priest, Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos and Rev. Fr. Gregory Onaji, Associate Parish Priest, St. Matthew Catholic Church, Amukoko, Lagos have assumed their new roles, bringing their expertise and passion for evangelisation through media and communication.
As Assistant Director I, Fr. Fashanu and as Assistant Director II, Fr. Onaji will assist the Director of Social Communications in further developing and implementing communication strategies for the Archdiocese. Receiving them at the Directorate last Wednesday, Very Fr. Anthony Godonu, Director of Social Communications, Lagos Archdiocese said he is delighted at the appointment of the priests as Assistant Directors for the Directorate of Social Communications.
“Their expertise and passion for evangelisation through media will be a great asset to our team. I am confident that they will help us to effectively communicate the Good News to the faithful and the wider community,” he noted. The appointment of Fr. Fashanu and Fr. Onaji marks an exciting new chapter for the Directorate of Social Communications in the Lagos Archdiocese. Their expertise and dedication will undoubtedly, enhance the Archdiocese’s communication efforts, spreading the message of Christ to an even wider audience.
…Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Fashanu
Born on March 31 to the family of Mr. Michael Fashanu (Late) and Mrs. Mary Ibironke Fashanu, Fr. Fashanu hails from Oruggbo-Iddo, Epe of Lagos State. His parents instilled in him a strong foundation of faith, which would shape his future as a priest. Fr. Fashanu’s spiritual journey began with his Spiritual Year experience at the St. John of the Cross Spiritual Year, Ekpoma, in 2013/2014.
Academic pursuits
Fr. Fashanu pursued his academic studies with diligence and passion. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy from the University of Benin in 2018. He furthered his studies at the Pontifical Urbaniana University, Rome, where he earned a degree in Sacred Theology in 2022.
Priestly ordination
Fr. Fashanu’s priestly ordination was a notable occasion. He was ordained a deacon on February 20, 2022, and later raised to the Order of the Sacred Priesthood on August 4, 2022, by his local ordinary, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, the Archbishop and Metropolitan See of Lagos.
Pastoral experience
Since his ordination, Fr. Fashanu has served as the Associate Parish Priest of St. Peter Catholic Church, and also as Assistant Director, St. Peter Nursery and Primary School, Ejigbo, between September, 2022 to October, 2023, a role that has prepared him for his new appointment as Assistant Director I.
New Appointment
As Assistant Director I, Fr. Fashanu will bring his expertise, enthusiasm, and passion for serving the Lord to his new role. His appointment is a testament to the Archdiocese’s commitment to nurturing and developing the talents of its priests.
…Rev. Fr. Gregory Onaji
Fr. Onahi was born on September 2, 1997, to Mr. and Mrs. Peter Agu Onaji, in Akaraba, Gakem, Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State. He began his educational journey at Nazareth Nursery and Primary School, Festac Town, Lagos, and later attended St. Theresa’s Minor Seminary, Oke-Are, Ibadan, Oyo State, for his secondary education.
Spiritual formation and studies
Fr. Onaji’s spiritual formation began in 2015 at St. John of the Cross Spiritual Year Seminary, Ekpoma, Edo State. He then proceeded to St. Albert the Great Major Seminary, Idowu-Offonran, Ogun State, where he studied from 2016 to 2024.
Priestly ordination
Fr. Onaji’s priestly ordination was a momentous occasion. He was ordained a Deacon on February 25, 2024, at Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos, and incardinated into the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos. He was later ordained a priest on October 31, 2024, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Onireke, by the Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins.
Pastoral experience and new appointment
Prior to his appointment as Assistant Director, Fr. Onaji served as the Associate Parish Priest of St. Matthew Catholic Church, Amukoko, Lagos. In his new role, Fr. Onaji will bring his energy, enthusiasm, and passion for serving the Lord to support the Directorate’s mission.
