Pactpan Nigerian Chapter

A powerful new analysis is now live on Voice Afrique—one that cuts through the noise surrounding the recent “voodoo controversy” between DR Congo and Nigeria. Beyond the headlines, this piece digs into the deeper story of African spirituality, football, fear, and the lingering shadows that shape how victories and failures are interpreted on the continent.

This is not just about a missed penalty or a disputed match ritual. It is about the spiritual imagination of a people, the crisis of confidence in African football, and the dangerous ways superstition and fear can replace discipline, excellence, and human agency.

If you care about African culture, national identity, the future of our sports, or how faith and myth continue to influence public life, this analysis offers the clarity—and courage—that the moment demands.
https://voiceafrique.org/did-dr-congo-use-voodoo-against-the-super-eagles-our-verdict-on-african-juju-and-charms-in-football/

Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network

Did DR Congo Use Voodoo Against the Super Eagles? Our Verdict on African Juju and Charms in Football An in-depth exploration of the controversy surrounding DR Congo’s alleged use of voodoo against the Super Eagles—and what it reveals about the enduring influence of witchcraft, charms, and traditional spiritual beliefs in African football. Fr. Stan Chu Ilo examines the cultural history, data, da...

HEAT FROM THE PAST; BASED ON TRUE-LIFE STORY (FOR GBV AWARENESS).

Twenty-two years ago, two cheerful boarding school girls had just finished their Junior Secondary School examinations. Excited to go home, they took a familiar but unauthorized shortcut since they lived in the same neighbourhood. They were innocent, happy, and unaware that danger was waiting on that path.

Along the way, they met five boys. Fear gripped them instantly, but one of the boys; older, confident, and their senior in school (the school game prefect) assured them that he would guide them safely. Believing his words, the girls continued the journey.
But halfway through the lonely path, everything changed.

The same senior student suddenly pulled out a k and threat€ned them. Under fear and pressure, the girls were overpowered and assaulted by the group, led by someone who once held authority over them (the school games prefect). At that time, the girls were on their menstrual period, yet the boys showed no restraint or humanity.
The incident shatt€red them in ways they could not imagine.

Years passed. Both girls worked hard to rebuild their lives. One eventually found the strength to forgive, got married, and moved forward.

But the other girl silently carried the weight of what happened.
She excelled academically, grew into adulthood, and smiled on the outside yet privately, she cried often.
She struggled with the pain of losing her innocence through viol€nce and felt ashamed of something she never caused.

She could not speak up because she feared stigma.
She blamed herself.
She stayed silent for years while the boy who led the assault walked freely.
She often wondered how many other young girls he may have hurt because she remained quiet.

Today, after decades of silence, she is sharing her story.

Not for pity.
Not for revenge.
But for PREVENTION.

She wants every young person especially girls—to know this:
- Silence allows viol€nce to continue.
Speaking up can save a life maybe even yours.

If you ever experience or witness Gender-Based Violence:

* Tell a trusted adult immediately.
* Report it to authorities.
* Seek help from teachers, counselors, police, mentors, or community leaders.
* Do not carry the pain alone.

Her story is a reminder that, "you are not to be blame".
- Your voice is powerful.
And speaking up is the first step to healing and protecting others.

“Digital safety is a right. Let’s unite to end online and offline violence.”

Abuja, Nigeria—In celebration of World Food Day 2025, the Chafuyi community in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) hosted a three-day Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Program. The program empowered thirty women and young people with practical training in food processing, hygiene, and small-scale enterprise development.

The initiative—organized by Quinnybel Ventures (Bakes and Confectioneries) in collaboration with the Chafuyi Community Women’s Association and supported by local volunteers and parish-based youth groups—aimed to promote food sustainability, economic independence, and creative self-reliance among grassroots participants.

From October 16 to 18, trainees learned hands-on techniques in baking and beverage production, including buns, puff-puff, chin-chin, zobo and soya drinks, iced tea, and liquid soap production. Alongside practical lessons, participants also participated in basic entrepreneurship training, gaining insight into record-keeping, pricing, and customer relations to turn their skills into profitable home-based ventures.

A team of experienced trainers, including Ms. Edelquinn Clementina Akighir, founder of Quinnybel Ventures, and members of her teaching team, guided participants through each production process and shared strategies for growing sustainable micro-enterprises.
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Empowering Women and Youth through Food Skills and Sustainable Livelihoods In celebration of World Food Day 2025, a three-day community training in Abuja equipped 30 women and youth with baking and entrepreneurship skills—turning food into a tool for empowerment and sustainable living.

Avez-vous déjà réfléchi à la place des pauvres dans nos vies et dans l’Église ?
En ce 26e dimanche du temps ordinaire, Mme Martine nous invite à méditer sur la parabole du pauvre Lazare et du riche (Lc 16, 19-31) et sur l’avertissement du prophète Amos.

Trop souvent, notre société se ferme dans l’égoïsme, oubliant que tout bien reçu vient de Dieu et doit être partagé. Le riche n’est pas condamné parce qu’il est riche, mais parce qu’il n’a pas eu de charité, parce qu’il a ignoré le pauvre à sa porte.

🌿 Message central : L’égoïsme conduit à la mort spirituelle, mais la charité ouvre la vie éternelle.
🙏 Dieu nous bénit non pas pour nous seuls, mais pour que nous soyons une bénédiction pour les autres.

➡️ Cette méditation est une invitation à plus d’amour, de justice et de solidarité. Quelle place donnons-nous aux pauvres dans nos vies et dans nos communautés ?

L’égoïsme ou la charité ? La parabole de Lazare et du riche | Réflexion du 26e dimanche Avez-vous déjà réfléchi à la place des pauvres dans nos vies et dans l’Église ?En ce 26e dimanche du temps ordinaire, Mme Martine nous invite à méditer sur l...

Have you ever wondered how faith speaks when violence shakes a community?
In this special episode of Voice Afrique, Fr. Stan Chu Ilo and Fr. Nnaemeka Ali, O.M.I., reflect on the tragic killing of Fr. Matthew Eya, a young priest from Enugu State, Nigeria.
Together, they explore the deep wound his death leaves for his parish, his family, and the entire Church. They ask:
What does it mean to live as people of hope when priests and ordinary citizens alike are unsafe?
How should the Church and society respond to the culture of impunity, corruption, and neglect fueling violence?
Can gospel nonviolence lead us beyond anger and fear into justice and healing?
Through lament, testimony, and prophetic challenge, this conversation honours the life of Fr. Matthew and all victims of senseless violence. Above all, it insists that God never abandons His people, and light will overcome darkness.
📖 Scripture echoes: Exodus 32 | Luke 15 | Isaiah 1:18

In Memory of Fr. Matthew Eya: No More Silence - VoiceAfrique: Perspectives on Faith , Life and Politics from Africa and the Diaspora Have you ever wondered how faith speaks when violence shakes a community?In this special episode of Voice Afrique, Fr. Stan Chu Ilo and Fr. Nnaemeka Ali, O.M.I., reflect on the tragic killing of Fr. Matthew Eya, a young priest from Enugu State, Ni...

On a sunny Thursday, June 19, 2025, the Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN) Nigeria convened a virtual dialogue that would spark a beacon of hope for Nigeria's future. The theme, "Which Way Nigeria? Pastoral and Theological Solutions to Endemic Problems Facing the Nation," resonated deeply with the gathered Catholic thinkers and pastoral leaders.

As the meeting unfolded via Zoom, respected voices like Prof. Stan Chu Ilo, Prof. Luke Ijezie, Sr. Jane Kimathi, and Sr. Dr. Lucy Umeh shared their insights, passionately calling for a renewal of the Church's prophetic voice, ethical leadership, and community-based peacebuilding.

Prof. Ilo's words cut to the heart of the matter, lamenting the Church's waning influence in national matters due to internal issues like tribalism and corruption. He urged faith leaders to reclaim their role as agents of accountability and reform, igniting a fire of change that would spread far and wide.

Prof. Ijezie echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for the Church to speak truth to power and guide the nation towards a brighter future. The participants collectively agreed that the Church must be a catalyst for national renewal, promoting values like justice, compassion, and unity.

As the dialogue came to a close, the sense of purpose and resolve was palpable. The Catholic thinkers and pastoral leaders departed with a renewed sense of mission, determined to work together towards a better Nigeria. The meeting marked a significant step towards a brighter future, one where the Church's prophetic voice would be heard loud and clear, guiding the nation towards a path of peace, justice, and prosperity.
Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network

*PACTPAN Nigeria Commemorates World Menstrual Hygiene Day*

On May 28, 2025, PACTPAN Nigeria's outreach team visited Junior Secondary School Zhidu Village, Lugbe, Abuja, to educate and empower adolescent girls on menstrual health. The session, led by Edelquinn Akighir, covered menstrual cycle basics, hygiene practices, debunking myths, and confidence in managing menstruation. Sanitary pads and soap were distributed to the girls. The event showcased PACTPAN Nigeria's commitment to empowering young girls and promoting community development.

For more enquiries, collaboration and supports:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.pactpan.org



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🌍 LIVE NOW – PACTPAN Palaver: “African Catholicism and the Papacy of Pope Leo XIV”

As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy with a spirit of peace and dialogue, what new opportunities and challenges await the Church in Africa?

🎙️ Join voices like Cardinal Wilfrid Napier, Archbishop Charles Palmer Buckle, Sr. Monica Nyachowe, Fr. Stan Chu Ilo and more as we reflect on African Catholicism, synodality, and hope for the Church’s future.

📺 Watch it live here https://youtube.com/live/sPbYCMxL_z8

African Catholicism and the Papacy of Pope Leo XIV: Challenges and Opportunities