OVERVIEW OF THE WORKSHOP ORGANIZED BY THE MISSIONARIES OF AFRICA (WHITE FATHERS) – JPIC-ED IN NIGERIA SECTOR
Introduction
The Society of Missionaries of Africa, White Fathers, under the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation – Encounter and Dialogue (JPIC-ED) team, organized a one-day workshop under the theme: “The Anti-Slavery Campaign – A Timeless Exercise for Justice and Peace.” The event was held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Agbowo, Ibadan. It brought together about 25 JPIC-ED promotors and animators from different parishes.
Presentations and Highlights
- Bro. Clenerius Cimpali, M.Afr., JPIC-ED Provincial Coordinator
Topic: “Lavigerie and the Fight against Slavery: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow”.
Bro. Clenerius gave an insightful presentation on the historical background of slavery and the role played by Cardinal Charles Lavigerie, founder of the Missionaries of Africa, in combating the inhuman practice of slavery. He traced the roots of slavery in Africa and emphasized Lavigerie’s timeless commitment to justice, peace, and human dignity. The speaker highlighted how this legacy continues to inspire the Society’s work today and remains relevant in the face of modern-day slavery.
- Barrister Ibitara Adenike
Topic: “The Psychological and Legal Responses to Modern-Day Slavery”
Barr. Adenike focused on the psychological consequences of slavery, especially in relation to forced marriages, forced labor, human exploitation, kidnapping, and trafficking. She identified key factors responsible for human trafficking and modern slavery, such as:
- Demand for cheap labor
- Forced marriages
- Poor governance
- High poverty levels
- Lack of education
- Gender inequality
- Vulnerability of victims
She noted that although there are legal institutions and agencies to address these crimes, many are ineffective due to lack of political will and poor implementation. She emphasized the legal and moral responsibility of individuals and communities to take action, highlighting practical steps:
- Reject free offers that may be suspicious, regardless of the source
- Speak up – If you see something, say something
- Raise the alarm – Alert others or law enforcement agents
- Act, don’t just record – Avoid standing by and filming; take action
- Keep the conversation alive – Educate others and advocate for justice
- Rev. Fr. Johan Miltenburg, M.Afr.
Topic: “The Antislavery Campaign at the Heart of Inter-religious Dialogue”
Fr. Miltenburg examined how the anti-slavery campaign can serve as a bridge in inter-religious dialogue, particularly with Islam. Despite the challenges in engaging other faiths on sensitive issues, he identified three shared values between Christianity and Islam that provide a platform for collaboration:
- Care for Orphans
- Hospitality towards strangers and wayfarers
- Liberation of slaves
He stressed that these common principles should be promoted to foster mutual understanding, solidarity, and collaborative action against slavery and injustice.
- Rev. Fr. Félix Kiboba Arsène , M.Afr.
Topic: “ Protection of Minors: A Neglected Area in the Antislavery Campaign”
Fr. Félix explained to the participants why the protection of minors must be at the heart of the fight against modern slavery, as children are the most numerous victims after women. Specifically, after demonstrating the forms of child slavery, he proposed concrete solutions to launch a campaign against slavery in parishes and pastoral settings:
- Advocating for a child protection policy and its implementation
- Creating a code of conduct for all pastoral workers and childcare providers
- Involving parents in children’s protection policy
- Raising awareness about protection of Minors tirelessly
Conclusion and Communiqué
The workshop ended on a hopeful note, with a strong call to renew the anti-slavery campaign, not just as a historical mission, but as a living mandate for justice, peace, and inter-religious cooperation. Participants were encouraged to be ambassadors of awareness and action, wherever they find themselves.
It is worth noting that the workshop was marked with a renewed sense of urgency and commitment among participants to take concrete steps in the fight against all forms of modern slavery. At the close of the session, a communiqué was issued, reflecting the shared mission of the participants and organizers.
Communiqué / Mission Statement:
- To create more awareness about the realities of modern slavery, including human trafficking, forced labor, and forced marriage, especially within local communities, parishes, and institutions.
- To advocate for stronger policy implementation and encourage relevant authorities and agencies to take the enforcement of anti-slavery laws and protective regulations seriously.
- To foster inter-religious cooperation based on shared human values, as a way of building united fronts against injustice.
- To promote ongoing education and dialogue that empowers people to recognize, report, and resist all forms of human exploitation.
- This communiqué serves as a call to action for all participants and stakeholders to carry forward the message of justice, peace, and human dignity, inspired by the legacy of Cardinal Lavigerie and the enduring mission of the Society of Missionaries of Africa.
By: Mr. Dominic Awodom (Secretary) and Miss. Elisabeth Ogar (Vice Secretary)