By CAEAN Ibadan

In a recent development, the baton of leadership of the National Council of CAEAN (Catholic Artistes and Entertainers Association of Nigeria) was handed over to Amb. Edith after a keenly contested election. The election was part of the many programmes featured at the just concluded first Annual Conference of SIGNIS and CAEAN National Convention, held at Capuchin Francisca Frair Retreat Center Olomi-Olunde, Ibadan, Nigeria, between July 9-12, 2024.

Fr. Afolabi; the chaplain of Ibadan CAEAN, thanked God for the successful journey granted all to arrive safely. He prayed for a fruitful stay. The Chairperson, Ibadan CAEAN, Amb. Edith thanked God for the grace of the occasion. She thanked Archbishop, Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin; the grand patron of CAEAN for being a strong pillar of the association. The sentiment of thanks was extended to Bishop Emmanuel Badejo of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo and the President, PAN African Episcopal Commission for Social Communications (CEPACS) and CAEAN Founder. Others in attendance were the Episcopal Chairman on Communications, represented by Fr. Mike Umoh, National Director of Communication, CSN/CAEAN National Chaplain; Rev. Fr. Dr. Patrick Alumuku, President, SIGNIS-Nigeria; Fr. Prof. Walter C. Ihejirika, Director Signis Africa, CAEAN National President, Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthony Akiwowo, Director of Social Communication Ibadan Archdiocese.

Contingents from Ijebu-Ode Diocese include Mr. Vitalis Nwokeforo, Miss Francisca Adebiyi, Mr. Valentine Adejonwo and Mr. Emmanuel Alao

The first part was the Opening Mass. In his homily, Prof. Ihejirika Walter, the President, SIGNIS Africa, called participants at the conference to constantly seek the face of the Lord and draw the mind of all to God. He reminded that each of us has this mission to promote in the peculiarities of our state in life. “You are not just to entertain but to use your gifts to propagate the gospel.”

At the second part of the opening ceremony, Archbishop, Gabriel Abegunrin, expressed that he was fortunate to be at the conference as it is the first of its kind. He welcomed all present and recognized the serenity of the Capuchin compound. He noted the abuses in play art and identified how the conference will help a great deal to help correct these abuses. His Grace spoke greatly about the importance of plays and visual aids as it has a lasting impact on the viewers. He also pointed out how proud the church in Nigeria is to have her son as the president of Signis Africa. He promised his unflinching support to CAEAN. He encouraged the participants to take good advantage of the conference.

The conference featured a series of papers delivered by seasoned scholars across the globe. It also had exercise itnes sessions and excursion to the prestigious Seminary of Sts. Peter and Paul Bodija.

The election took place at the right time and conducted with the right procedures.

At the end of the election Abassador Edith Isidahomen of Ibadan Archdiocese emerges the President. Others are; Vice President; Greg .O. Greg – Benin Archdiocese, General Secretary; John Black Okeh – Lagos Archdiocese, Assistant Secretary; ESV Ben Uche – Abakaliki Diocese, Treasurer; Mr Peter Chiedu – Enugu Diocese, Financial Secretary; Mr Dominic Akerele – Ibadan Archdiocese, PRO; Lady Betty Peter U’deogu – Enugu Diocese, Director Of Socials; Mr Ogaranya Uche J. – Awka Diocese, Welfare Officer 1; Princess Amaka Ugbor – Warri Diocese, Welfare Officer 2; King David Udeh – Enugu Diocese.