The International Confederation of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP), National Council of Nigeria was bustling with festivity recently, when the Lagos Central Council hosted a Gala Night in honour of Bros. Juan Manuel Gomez, 17th President General International, Paulo Cavaleri, CGI Executive Director and Peter Keshwar at the Main Hall, St. Leo Catholic Church, Ikeja. The Gala, a part of events marking the 65th anniversary of SSVP Nigeria, which saw members attend in their numbers, was graced by Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, ably represented by Rt. Rev. John Aniagwu, Vicar General, Lagos Archdiocese, as well as Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor, represented by Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya, SA to the Governor on SDGs. Speaking on the occasion, Msgr. Aniagwu welcomed the international officers and thanked them for coming to visit St. Vincent de Paul, Nigeria.
He congratulated SSVP, Nigeria on the occasion of its 65th anniversary, adding that coincidentally St. Vincent de Paul Society in Nigeria is just a few months older than the independent Nigeria. Welcoming the officers, Gov. Sanwo-Olu said their visit is a source of inspiration to the people, as it reveals their commitment to the values of charity, humility, and solidarity that the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul exemplifies worldwide. He commended SSVP for caring for the vulnerable persons, as he noted that the society’s mission aligns perfectly with the government’s vision of an inclusive Lagos where no one is left behind. According to him, SSVP’s work in providing direct support, comfort, and dignity to those in need, complements the government’s efforts to build a compassionate and resilient society.
Bro. Paulo Cavaleri, CGI Executive Director, expressing happiness, noted that the SSVP Nigeria is an example for all the Vincentian movement all over Africa and the world. He said the Society was founded in Paris in 1833 to help the destitute, the poor, bringing the lay people to being actively involved in social works, adding that the society will keep helping those that are down and out, those who need help in an active and concrete way, living out the Christian values in a very practical way. Bro. Peter Keshwar, immediate past President, SSVP South Africa, also representing the President-General expressed his excitement being in Nigeria, and commended SSVP Nigeria for its works, especially the clinic, school, chapel among other projects of the National Council.
According to him, the society serves those in need, and also lending a helping hand where necessary, as he commended SSVP Nigeria for their laudable projects. While speaking on the occasion, Bro Anthony Ebele, President Lagos Central Council, disclosed that aside from celebrating the 65th anniversary of SSVP Nigeria, another aim of the event is to raise funds which will be used to help the poorest of the poor, adding that, that is the core objective of the society.
