By Charles Igwe
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has announced the appointment of Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Michael Ayanleke Banjo as the new Secretary General (SG) of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Abuja, effective January 1, 2025. This news has been met with great excitement by the Diocese of Ijebu-Ode, Lagos Province, and the entire Nigerian Church.
Fr. Banjo, currently the Director of the Pastoral Affairs Department at the Secretariat and Deputy Secretary General, will succeed Very Rev. Fr. Zacharia Nyantiso Samjumi in overseeing the general administration of the Secretariat. He will manage the technical and administrative work of the CSN on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference, ensuring effective coordination of the Secretariat’s various departments and pastoral agencies.
A priest of Ijebu-Ode Diocese, Fr. Banjo was ordained on July 18, 1998. He received his seminary formation at SS. Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan, Nigeria, and holds a wealth of academic qualifications, including a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy (University of Ibadan), a Bachelor of Sacred Theology (Urban University, Rome), a Licentiate and Doctorate in Canon Law (Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, Rome), a Master of Arts in Government and Politics specializing in International Relations (St. John’s University, New York – Rome campus), and a Diploma in International Law and Diplomacy (St. John’s University, New York – Rome campus).
Fr. Banjo has served in various roles within Ijebu-Ode Diocese, including Pastor of St. Michael Parish, Ago-Iwoye, Chaplain of the Catholic Community at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Judicial Vicar of Ijebu-Ode Diocese, Director of the Family and Human Life Department, and Judge at the Lagos Inter-diocesan Marriage Tribunal. He is also the author of the Canonical Guide series and an avid music lover.
Having been appointed Deputy Secretary General of the CSN in December 2020, Fr. Banjo’s dedication and service have now led to his promotion as Secretary General. The CBCN extends its best wishes to Fr. Michael Banjo and the entire CSN team for a successful and impactful service to the Church and Nigerian society.
