By Neta Nwosu and Constaincia Uruakpa
The Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos has reinforced the importance of the Archdiocesan Engagement for Mission Programme (AEMP), redeclaring it a mandatory requirement for all formal leadership positions in the Archdiocese, while encouraging all parishioners to embrace the initiative as a pathway to spiritual growth, evangelisation and personal development. The directive is contained in the July Archdiocesan Circular signed by the Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins.
According to the circular, the AEMP is designed to deepen parish and lay group participation, strengthen spiritual commitment and promote evangelisation across the Archdiocese. Although participation in the programme is compulsory for those seeking formal leadership positions within the Archdiocese, Archbishop Martins stressed that the AEMP is essentially a self-development initiative with significant benefits for every Catholic. The Archbishop therefore, encouraged all parishioners to actively participate in AEMP modules organised by their respective parishes.
To ensure wider participation, the circular urged Faith Formation Officers of parish lay organisations, as well as the Leadership and Social Education and Discernment Committees of Parish Laity Councils, to organise peer study groups and discussion sessions. Parishioners may also undertake the programme through self-study or private study groups. The circular referred parishioners to the May 2026 Special Circular for further details on the implementation of the programme.
Meanwhile, the Archdiocese has also released a reviewed timetable for the 2026 parish, deanery and Archdiocesan elections. Under the revised schedule, the dissolution and election of executives of all parish organisations are to be concluded not later than June 14, while the constitution of pastoral committees, parish laity councils and related committees, together with the election of their executives and co-ordinators, must be completed by June 21. Bye-elections at parish level are expected to be concluded by July 26. At the deanery level, the constitution of committees, election of executives and establishment of Deanery Laity Councils are to be completed by July 12, while all related bye-elections are scheduled for completion by August 23.
At the Archdiocesan level, the constitution of committees, election of executives of Archdiocesan organisations and the formation of the Archdiocesan Laity Council and Archdiocesan Pastoral Council are to be concluded by August 9. The Archdiocese also fixed September 30, 2026, as the deadline for final bye-elections or the appointment of administrators where necessary, particularly in cases where elected officers fail to complete the AEMP requirement or where group constitutions and byelaws have not been aligned with the approved guidelines. In a significant amendment to the election guidelines, Archbishop Martins expanded the list of Essential Leadership Positions (ELPs) to include, the office of Assistant Coordinator (Vice-President/Vice-Chairman). The four essential offices are now Co-ordinator (President/Chairman), Assistant Co-ordinator (Vice-President/ Vice-Chairman), Secretary and Faith Formation Officer.
The revised guidelines also introduced a new structure linking the number of executive officers in lay organisations to membership strength. Groups with 25 to 30 members will have a maximum of four officers, while those with 31 to 50 members may have up to five officers, with additional offices approved as membership increases. The circular further clarified that the same election principles guiding parishes will equally apply to deanery and Archdiocesan organisations, including provisions relating to Essential Leadership Positions, maximum number of officers and the authority of Deans and Chaplains to appoint administrators where necessary. The Archdiocese added that new dates for post-election orientation programmes ahead of the commissioning of newly elected officers will be announced in due course.
