The Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Michael Banjo has championed the cause of conscience formation as a necessary requirement for nation-building towards ensuring equity, fairness and justice.
Fr. Banjo noted on FB that he gave the charge on Monday 10 May 2026 during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the CSN and the Knights of St. John International, Abuja Grand Commandery at a colourful ceremony at the CSN headquarter, Durumi, Abuja.
Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Michael Banjo, Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN). Credit: Michael Banjo.
“This initiative is part of our modest but deliberate contribution to the transformation of Nigeria. We believe that a better nation cannot be built by structures alone, but by men and women whose consciences are properly formed, whose faith is active in public life, and whose commitment to justice, peace and the common good is rooted in the Gospel,” Fr. Banjo stated.
He emphasised that the “Christian faith can never be reduced to private devotion alone. Authentic faith must form consciences, inspire responsible action, and move believers to work for a more just, humane and peaceful society.
“While we cannot solve all the problems of the world at once, we must not become helpless spectators or prophets of despair. Each person must strive to light a candle in his or her own little corner rather than curse the darkness.”
Some of the Knights at the signing of the MOU. Credit: Michael Banjo.
The Secretary General compared the little everyone can do to a light that overshadows darkness, urging the Knights to be true witnesses.
“When everyone does the little good within their power, the light begins to spread and darkness gradually loses its hold. This is especially true of the lay faithful who, as the Second Vatican Council teaches in Lumen Gentium, no. 31, are called by God to ‘work for the sanctification of the world from within, in the manner of leaven.’
“Catholic knights and ladies are therefore called to be credible witnesses not only within the Church, but also in their families, professions, communities and public life,” he stated.
Providing the reason for the initiative, the ecclesiastical scribe clarified that the “CSN will be taking members of the KSJI Abuja Grand Commandery through a structured course on the Social Teaching of the Church.”
Citing the advantages of the course, Fr. Banjo explained that it “will help members of the KSJI Abuja Grand Commandery to deepen their understanding of the dignity of the human person, the common good, solidarity, subsidiarity, justice, peace, responsible citizenship and care for the vulnerable.
“It will also strengthen their capacity to bring Catholic values into practical service for the Church and society.”
The Knights of St. John International, Abuja Grand Commandery were led by the Grand President, Brig. Gen. Francis Ulonna Njoku, in company of the Grand Respected President of the Ladies Auxiliary, Noble Sister Amaka Umeokeke.
The Knights and Ladies Auxiliaries of St. John International, Abuja Grand Commandery with the CSN staff. Credit: Michael Banjo.
In his remarks, expressed great enthusiasm about the collaboration, describing it as timely and enriching.
Speaking during the occasion, the Grand President, Brig. Gen. Francis Ulonna Njoku, the secretariate assured the Commandery’s willingness to actively collaborate with the Church to ensure that the partnership comes to fruition.
Brig. Gen. Njoku who described the memorandum as timely and enriching also expressed excitement about the collaboration aimed for the good of the Church and society.
