Lagos Archdiocesan Council of the Board of Lectors (LACBOL) Strategic Policy & Leadership Summit recently took place on Friday September 05, 2025 at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Maryland, Lagos State, bringing together executives and veteran proclaimers from the 20 deaneries within the Lagos Archdiocese.
The event, which started with an opening prayer featured a welcome address and citation of the keynote speaker by the Arch Diocesan Council (ADC) of Lector’s President. Dr. Richard Edi.
The keynote Speaker, a renowned journalist and veteran proclaimer, Epa Eboigbe centered his address on the theme “Strategic Leadership in Times of Change,” emphasizing the need for unity and strategic leadership among lectors.
He highlighted the importance of possessing key qualities, including:
- Vision: Providing direction and purpose
- Adaptability: Embracing change and being flexible
- Integrity: Demonstrating good credibility and moral uprightness
- Digital Leadership: Leveraging artificial intelligence to stay relevant
Mr. Eboigbe also stressed that lectors must focus on genuine service, rather than seeking to impress, and work together to reform the ministry. He referenced Habakkuk 2:2, which states, “Write the vision, make it plain”.
However, Mrs. Ifeoma Idigbe, a facilitator of the archdiocesan Engagement for Mission Programme (AEMP) outlined the election guidelines as amended in June 2025. and the following Key points included-
- Eligibility: Those who have completed the Archdiocesan Engagement Mission Programme (AEMP) training can vote and be voted for while those without the training can vote but cannot be voted for.
- Character Requirements: Members with questionable character are not eligible to participate.
- No Campaigns There will be no campaigns before the election.
- Tenure: All executives will serve a four-year term, regardless of bye-elections.
Lectors Development, Funding Rules, and Conduct Code Highlighted
Additionally, the chairman, Lagos Archdiocesan Council of Board of Lectors (LACBOL) Academy, Mr. Tony, Enakhifo presented a policy document aimed at creating uniformity across the Archdiocese. The policy outlines four stages for lector development:
- Accepting New Lectors: Welcoming new members into the lectorate.
- Interview Session: Assessing new lectors through questioning.
- Formation and Training: Providing training on proclamation and Discernment to ascertain the lectors fit within six months.
- Commissioning: Commissioning lectors after training and re-evaluation to ensure their continued readiness.
Corroborating with Mrs. IFeoma, the ADC President, Dr. Richard Edi, clarified guidelines for funding, while emphasizing that societies or organizations within the Lagos Archdiocese should not seek funds outside of Lagos State. Approved methods for raising funds include:
– Sales of Special Items: ADC uniform and SLN/Training Manual.
– Investments: Generating income through investments.
– Levies and Fines: Implementing levies and fines as needed.
Nevertheless, a code of conduct was also presented, highlighting behaviors to avoid, including:
- Theft or fraud
- Sexual Harassment
- Abuse of power
- General Harassment
- Discrimination
- Damaging of church property
- Refusal to cooperate
- False Accusations
- Habitual Neglect of duty.
- Unauthorized Absence
- Violation of church guidelines
The summit concluded with a communique read by ADC Secretary, Mr. Pope, and adopted by the participants. The closing remarks were delivered by Maryland Deanery Chairman, Mr. Matthew, and the event ended with a closing prayer by Mr. Frank Udoekpo from Ijede Deanery.
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