CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE OF NIGERIA: IBADAN ECCLESIASTICAL PROVINCE 
A Communique issued at the end of a two day meeting held at the Pastoral Institute, Ibadan, 18th to 19th January, 2010 
We, the Catholic Bishops of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, gathered for our first meeting of the year on 18-19 January, 2010, at the Pastoral Institute, Ibadan, Oyo State, give glory to God for His mercies upon our troubled nation, Nigeria. In spite of our failings and self-inflicted hardship, God has continued to bestow upon us His numerous blessing and grace. Glory be to Him forever and ever. Amen (1Pet.5:11). 
The Ongoing Year for Priests
The ongoing celebration of the special Year for Priests declared by the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI, with the theme “Holiness of Christ, holiness of the priest”, began in June 2009 and will end in June 2010. We salute all clergymen in the Church as they continue with commitment to help bring God’s people to repentance and to work for their salvation. Let us all spend this year in renewal and recommitment to our holy vocation. “Try to make good use of the present time, because these days are evil” (Gal 5:16). 
The Second Synod of Bishops for Africa
The Second Synod of Bishops for Africa recently held in the Vatican with the theme: “The Church in Africa in Service of Reconciliation, Justice and Peace: “You are salt of the earth and light of the world”. It was another wake-up call to Africa to chart a new course and to put an end to all wars and conflict and to construct a society built on traditional African values of love, solidarity, justice and peace. In due course the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI will pronounce the detailed outcome of the Synod. We urge all, Clergy, Religious and Laity, to embrace the teachings of the Synod in their daily lives. 
Nigeria: A Nation in Denial
Yet another year has begun in which many Nigerians feel betrayed and see their hopes and aspirations dashed. Our leaders continue to feed Nigerians with half-truths and downright falsehood in things that deeply affect their lives and our nation. In addition to serious disillusionment in the provision of regular power supply, security of life and property, provision of essential petroleum products and other infrastructure, Nigerians, after two months of the absence of the President, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, cannot confidently state where and in what condition is Mr. President. Yet, our leaders continue to pretend that all is well. We deeply regret this irresponsible state of uncertainty which can have dangerous consequences for the nation. Nigerians deserve better than a Presidency by remote control. Any society living with such self-deceit is surely courting disintegration. We therefore call on all those in position of leadership to wake up and with responsibility, honesty and courage confront the issues at stake and save our country from the present embarrassment. 
Jos: Yet Another National Disgrace
Our country, in the last few months has spent a huge amount of time and resources on a purported rebranding campaign. Of late, government, groups and individuals have berated the United States of America over its reaction to the unfortunate case of Farouk Abdulmutallab, a young Nigerian, accused of attempting to commit a terrible terrorist act. We shouted ourselves hoarse to convince the whole world that we are no terrorist nation. Yet, unfortunately, the most recent religious crisis in Jos, Plateau State, has badly exposed our hypocrisy and ineptitude. Some extremists claiming to be Muslims suddenly set upon Christians in their Churches and homes, killing and burning. We as a nation have yet again been caught napping, and as a consequence, precious lives and property have been lost. It is sad that such occurrences in the recent past have not been convincingly investigated and addressed and are not found preventable. This persistent situation does not augur well for a nation claiming to be on the path of development and national integration. 
We are compelled, yet again, therefore to sympathize with the innocent victims of the current crisis and pray for the repose of the souls of the dead. We denounce all perpetrators of this shameful conspiracy against a particular segment of our nation and we call on the competent authorities to act decisively before things get out of hand. We also call on all religious leaders to speak up with courage to denounce and oppose religious extremism and fanaticism wherever they are found. 
Solidarity with the Haitian people
Once again, the world has experienced a natural disaster in Haiti. Tens of thousands of people have died and multitudes rendered homeless as a result of the recent earthquake in that country. We commiserate with the entire Haitian people and we pray for them for courage and strength in these most difficult times. Saddening as such events are, they still manifest the awesome omnipotence of God. We therefore call on all people of God to turn to Him in prayer and repentance. Part of this exercise ought to be a renewed commitment to solidarity and charity towards those in our nation and beyond who are unfortunate victims of oppression, disasters, wars and crises. Let us all continue to pray and work hard for a better world built on love, justice, solidarity and sincerity. 
May Mary, Mother of Good Counsel, intercede for us before God’s throne that Nigeria may rediscover her unity, prosperity, strength and progress in the forthcoming years. We invoke God’s mercy and pardon upon our land and our world that with His Spirit, He may fulfill in us H is holy promise which He made through the prophet: 
“For I will pour water upon the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground. I will pour my spirit upon your race and my blessing upon your offspring” (Isaiah 44: 2-3). Amen. So shall it be! 
Signed: 
Most Reverend Felix Alaba Job Archbishop of Ibadan and President, Ibadan Province 
Most Reverend Gabriel Abegunrin Bishop of Osogbo and Secretary, Ibadan Province 
Most Reverend Michael Fagun Bishop of Ekiti 
Most Reverend Francis Alonge Bishop of Ondo 
Most Reverend AyoMaria Atoyebi Bishop of Ilorin 
Most Reverend Emmanuel Badejo Bishop of Oyo 
Most Reverend Felix Ajakaye Coadjutor Bishop of Ekiti 
Most Reverend Julius Babatunde Adelakun Emeritus Bishop of Oyo