The Masses Advocate

Benin City, Nigeria –  The Young Missionary Moment of Nigeria (YOMM), a vital arm of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of the Propagation of Faith (POF), recently convened its Provincial Congress in Benin City, marking an impressive 20 years since the movement's inception.  Under the inspiring theme, "We are Missionaries of Hope," the gathering at St. Paul Minor Seminary served as a powerful reminder for young missionaries to fully embrace their unique and elevated status within the Catholic Church. A key message from the congress was a resounding call for YOMM members not to underestimate themselves or set low standards compared to other youth organizations.  Speakers emphasized that YOMM, being a direct extension of the Pontifical Mission, is uniquely headed by the Supreme Pontiff himself – the Pope. "YOMM is not just like any other movement or organization; it is under the Pontifical Mission Society of the Propagation of Faith," a...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  Abuja, Nigeria – At a landmark gathering in Abuja, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, unveiled a compelling vision for safeguarding Nigeria's future: a robust collaboration between the media, intelligence agencies, and diplomatic corps to aggressively combat the rising tide of disinformation.  Addressing the maiden International Diplomatic and Security Conference, hosted by the Diplomatic Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (DICAN), Elumelu characterized disinformation as a potent "weapon" demanding immediate, coordinated action. Before an esteemed audience of diplomats, security experts, policymakers, and journalists, Elumelu passionately articulated that Nigeria's democratic integrity and international reputation hinge on this "triple threat" synergy.  "Disinformation travels faster than the truth," he observed, underscoring that a united front is essential to succe...

 -By Ruben Mario Brodrick Benin City, Nigeria - The Knights and Ladies of St. Mulumba (KSM/LSM) in the Benin Archdiocese, encompassing the New Benin, Ikpoba, Uselu, and Ugbowo Subordinate Councils, recently gathered for their 2025 Founders' Day commemoration.  Held at the Sir John Uwa Iredia Multi-purpose Hall, the event centered on the profound theme, "Patience in Life or Servant of God - Fr. Abraham Anselm Isidahomen Ojefua." The ceremony saw a significant turnout, with the Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, represented by Rev. Fr. Raphael Anoje, Director of the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre and a Chaplain to one of the sub-councils. Other chaplains, delegates from various knighthood orders, leaders of Lay Apostolate groups (led by the Archdiocesan Laity President), Catechists, representatives from the Catholic Men Organization (CMO), Christian Mothers, Lay Readers, and Catholic Media Practitioners were also in attendance.  ...

Kaduna, Nigeria – Tears and heartfelt tributes marked an emotional farewell on Thursday at the St. John Paul II Catholic Social Centre, as Rev. Fr. Stephen Onyema concluded his impactful six-year tenure as chaplain. The atmosphere was charged with gratitude and reflection as Fr. Onyema delivered a poignant speech, reminiscing about a journey defined by faith, community, and unwavering dedication. Addressing a gathering of parishioners, friends, staff, and well-wishers, Fr. Onyema shared profound sentiments of appreciation for the shared experience.  "When I arrived here six years ago, I came with the desire to serve, to listen, to walk with you in faith, and to be a humble instrument in God’s vineyard," he stated, his voice resonating with emotion. "Looking back now, I see not just years gone by, but a journey shared – one filled with grace, laughter, challenges, and growth." Drawing inspiration from scripture, specifically Romans 8:25 and Philippians 1:...

 -By Ruben Mario Brodrick*  Benin City, Edo State – In a powerful display of community solidarity, the Centre for Women Studies and Intervention (CWSI), in collaboration with women religious and the Catholic Women Organization, spearheaded a pivotal sensitization and advocacy event aimed at eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) and discrimination against women and girls. Held from July 15th to 18th, 2025, at the Archdiocesan Chancery on Airport Road, Benin City, the four-day gathering rallied diverse stakeholders under a shared commitment to justice, dignity, and equality. The seminar, themed "Ending Gender-Based Violence: Upholding Dignity, Equality, and Justice in Our Communities," was expertly facilitated by Mr. Samuel Akorokpor. He guided participants through insightful sessions that delved into the complex root causes, harsh realities, and devastating impacts of GBV. Akorokpor emphasized that "Ending gender-based violence is about upholding dignity, equality, and ...

Nigeria Mourns: Former President Buhari Dies in London at 82 ABUJA, NIGERIA — Nigeria is in mourning following the announcement today of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari. He died in London at approximately 4:30 PM local time on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 82, after a prolonged illness. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu confirmed the somber news, expressing his profound condolences to Mrs. Aisha Buhari, the former President's widow, in a phone call. To facilitate the return of the revered leader's body, President Tinubu has ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the United Kingdom to accompany the former President's remains back to Nigeria. Muhammadu Buhari was a towering figure in Nigerian politics, having been elected president twice, in 2015 and 2023. Before his democratic mandates, he also served as the military Head of State from January 1984 to August 1985. His long career was marked by a commitment to public service and a significant im...

Former Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari has died at the age of 82 in a London clinic, his family confirmed on Sunday. The retired major general led Nigeria as military ruler in the 1980s and later as an elected president from 2015 to 2023. Details in comments.

Nigerian Catholic Church Sends 14 Priests Abroad in Major Global Evangelisation push  -By Ruben Mario Brodrick  Abuja, Nigeria – In a clear demonstration of its expanding global influence, the Catholic Church in Nigeria has dispatched 14 diocesan priests on missionary assignments spanning Africa, Europe, and the Americas. This move reinforces the Church's commitment to worldwide evangelization. The commissioning Mass, led by His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja, took place at St. Gabriel Chaplaincy in Abuja. It followed an intensive seminar designed to prepare the priests for their international roles. Cardinal Onaiyekan stressed the importance of proper missionary training for diocesan priests, who are traditionally focused on local needs. He also issued a stark warning against priests seeking personal gain abroad, stating that such motives would make them "mercenaries" rather than missionaries. He emphasized that Nigeria, now spiritually m...