By Emma Ihemeje
The Laity Council of Nigeria, Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese, led by Engr. Leo Onyekachi Obiefuna, has concluded a three-day leadership seminar aimed at addressing the rising tide of neo-paganism and social media’s negative impact.
The seminar, held at Madonna Renewal Center, Nkpor, was attended by laity leaders from Onitsha, Iyiowa, Ogbaru, Nnobi, and Aguleri regions. Rev. Fr. Celestine Aniofor, Chaplain of the Laity Council, organized the event with Sir Ikenna Oduma Lawrence and others.
Very Rev. Monsignor Theophilus Odukwe, Parish Priest of St. Charles Lwanga Catholic Church, Okpoko, delivered a lecture on neo-paganism and syncretism. He emphasized that these practices contradict biblical teachings and Catholic catechism, highlighting the world’s crisis of true faith.
Monsignor Odukwe urged laity members to manifest their faith in every aspect of life and propagate the seminar’s ideals to their families and the church.
Monsignor Odukwe noted that the crisis of faith affects various religious beliefs, leading some to doubt God’s ability to answer prayers. He warned that the devil sows bad seeds, as seen in Christ’s time.
Bro. Sampson Onah, Patron of the Laity Council, discussed social media’s positive and negative aspects. While social media facilitates communication, business, education, and information dissemination, it also enables terrorism, kidnapping, prostitution, and armed robbery.
Onah suggested using Block Rosary organizations to counter social media’s negative impact.
Organizers and regional leaders praised the seminar’s theme and resource persons. Engr. Obiefuna expressed gratitude for the seminar, while Sir Ben Okafor blamed youth laziness for their wrong choices and urged skill acquisition.
Sir Hyacinth Obielosi advised participants to share the seminar’s message with their parishes for the church’s progress.
Other speakers included Stephen Anthony Okechi, Onitsha Regional PRO, and Hon. Edwards Okeke, Secretary of the Council.
