News
2027 Election: Catholic Bishops Declare National Prayer For Peaceful Poll
Reading in data-saving mode. Read full article from This Day website.
Published 10/19/2026 9:40:12 PM
Catholic Bishops Declare National Prayer For Peaceful Poll – THISDAYLIVE
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
Ahead of 2027 General Election, Catholic Bishops under auspices of Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) have declared national prayer for free, fair, credible and peaceful elections.
The prayer programme themed “Let Justice and Peace Flow” (Amos 5:24) will run from October 2026 to January 2027 across all dioceses and parishes.
In statement signed by President, Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso of Kaduna and Secretary, Bishop Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo of Abeokuta, dated October 19, 2026, bishops said recurring challenges of electoral violence, rigging, vote-buying and ethnic divisions demand collective commitment to justice and peace.
“As Nigeria approaches 2027 elections, we are called to intensify prayers for free, fair, credible and peaceful elections,” they said.
CBCN called on dioceses, parishes, Church societies, prayer groups, families and individuals to participate in programme of prayer and fasting to implore God to guide INEC, judiciary and security agencies, turn hearts away from malpractice and violence, and grant leaders who serve with integrity.
The programme outlines four key dates. Saturday, October 31, 2026 and Saturday, November 28, 2026 are Nationwide Parish Day of Prayer and Fasting featuring fasting, Rosary procession, Holy Mass and CBCN election prayer. Faithful may fast till noon or 6pm according to health.
Tuesday, December 8, 2026, Solemnity of Immaculate Conception, is Nationwide Diocesan Day of Prayer. All dioceses shall hold 3pm Mass presided by Bishop, reading of pastoral letter “2027 Elections: Call to Responsible Choice and Action”, followed by 4.30pm Rosary procession to Cathedral and Benediction.
Friday, January 15, 2027, eve of elections, is final Nationwide Parish Day of Prayer and Fasting.
Bishops released official prayer asking God to free electoral officials from fear and greed, guide aspirants to reject manipulation and violence, and renew citizens’ civic responsibility to reject tribalism and corruption and to vote peacefully.
§
Jobberman Nigeria, Nigeria’s leading career development and recruitment solutions company, has launched ‘Her Next Move’, a campaign designed to empower young Nigerian women with practical skills and confidence to pursue career opportunities and participate more fully in the workforce.
Through free online training, the initiative supports women aged 18 to 35 as they prepare to enter the workplace, advance into better roles or explore freelance and gig work.
Built around the message ‘Your Future. Your Skills. Your Move’, the campaign places female inclusion at the centre of career development, encouraging women to take an active role in shaping their professional futures. It connects the ambition to progress with an accessible starting point: learning skills that can help women prepare for their next opportunity.
‘Her Next Move’ recognises that career progress looks different for every woman. For a graduate, it may mean preparing for a first job. For a woman already working, it may involve developing the skills to take on greater responsibility or pursue a new role. For another, it may mean understanding how to navigate freelance work and participate in the global gig economy. The campaign brings these aspirations together through a shared emphasis on learning, preparation and action.
This Initiative by Jobberman in partnership with Mastercard Foundation promotes two courses: Jobberman Soft Skills Training and Becoming a Successful Global Gig Worker. Both courses are free, with a free certificate upon successful completion.
Jobberman Soft Skills Training focuses on workplace readiness, helping participants build the professional skills needed to navigate work and prepare for career progression. Becoming a Successful Global Gig Worker introduces participants to the demands and opportunities of freelance and gig work, supporting women interested in exploring career paths beyond traditional employment.
By making the training and certification available at no cost, ‘Her Next Move’ reduces the financial barrier to participation and encourages more young women to invest in their professional development. Its focus extends from raising awareness of learning opportunities to helping participants follow through and complete their chosen course.
To bring the campaign to life, Jobberman is working with young creators who are sharing personal stories about ambition, career transitions and the role of learning in their journeys. Through videos, social media posts and follow-up conversations, the creators encourage young women to reflect on their own goals and identify the practical steps they can take towards them.
These stories are intended to make career development relatable, connecting everyday aspirations with opportunities to learn. Across the campaign, the question “What is your next move?” invites women to define progress for themselves and begin preparing for it.
‘Her Next Move’ reinforces Jobberman’s and Mastercard Foundation’s commitment to supporting career development and expanding access to learning for young Nigerian women. By combining free skills training with relatable storytelling and encouragement to take action, the campaign seeks to help more women feel prepared to pursue their ambitions.
