Training of 1000 Seminarians Kicks off in Nigeria to Combat Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

The Catholic Church in Nigeria has begun a training program for 1,000 seminarians to help them identify, prevent, and respond to sexual and gender-based violence. The program aims to prepare future priests to recognize various forms of abuse, support survivors, and promote safer communities during their pastoral ministry.

More than 260 seminarians have already participated in the training at St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary in Makurdi, Benue State. The sessions are part of a three-day capacity-building event.

Father Michael Banjo, Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, said the training is necessary because of the prevalence of sexual and other forms of violence in the country. He stated that seminarians require formation that prepares them to protect people from abuse, educate the faithful, and promote a culture where violence is not tolerated or concealed.