Among the first recipients of this initiative was Nigeria, where Fr. Gabriel Wade, Fr. Italo Spagnolo, and Bro. John Patrucco pioneered the Salesian mission.

The Early Beginnings in Nigeria

The first Salesians arrived in Nigeria in 1982, sent by the ISU and INE Provinces of Piedmont, Italy. Fr. Gabriel Wade, originally from Argentina, became the first resident Salesian in the country. On January 31, 1983, the Bishop of Ondo, Francis Alonge, established the Parish of Mary Help of Christians in Akure and entrusted it to the Salesians.

Despite early challenges, the mission flourished. By 1990, a shrine to Mary Help of Christians was completed and consecrated in Akure, fulfilling Fr. Egidio Viganò’s vision. Over the years, Akure became a Salesian hub, featuring a pre-novitiate, a Marian Centre, a Youth Centre, and a clinic with a state-of-the-art laboratory. The Salesians also established a technical training center and oratory in Ondo town, further strengthening their presence in Nigeria.

The Salesian mission in Nigeria expanded rapidly during the late 1980s and 1990s. In 1988, as part of the centenary celebrations of Don Bosco’s death, the Salesians opened a new community in Onitsha. Today, Don Bosco Onitsha hosts a Junior and Senior Secondary School, a Technical Institute, an Oratory and Youth Centre, a chaplaincy, and an aspirantate for candidates from eastern Nigeria.

In 2002, the mission expanded to the Archdiocese of Ibadan, with the establishment of the Post-Novitiate House in Ogungbade, welcoming its first batch of post-novices in September 2005. Similarly, in 2008, the Salesians began their presence in Abuja, Nigeria’s political capital, acquiring land with a vision to build a model Senior High School and an aspirantate.

Further Growth and Challenges

The Salesian mission continued its momentum with the opening of a new presence in Lagos in 2011, where the Salesians took charge of the quasi-parish “Church of the Holy Spirit.”

The northern regions of Nigeria also became a focus of evangelization, with Salesian missions established in Kontagora, Koko (Kebbi State), and Ijebu-Ode between 2014 and 2015. These initiatives aimed to bring Salesian education, technical training, and pastoral care to regions of first evangelization.

Expansion to Niger

The missionary outreach of the ANN Province reached a new milestone on October 29, 2023, with the official expansion of the Salesian mission to the Republic of Niger. However, the missionaries arrived amidst significant challenges, including political instability.

The Archbishop of Niamey, Most Rev. Djalwana Laurent Lompo, expressed his profound gratitude for the Salesians’ arrival, emphasizing that the local population had been eagerly awaiting their presence. Plans are underway to establish a secondary technical school, an oratory, and a teacher training center to address the critical educational needs of the region.

Despite bureaucratic challenges, stemming from a recent coup d’état, the Salesians are working diligently to register their congregation as a legal entity in Niger.

A Vision for the Future

The journey of the ANN Province is one of resilience, faith, and unwavering commitment to Don Bosco’s mission. From its humble beginnings in Akure to its expansion across Nigeria and Niger, the province continues to embody the Salesian charism, serving young people, especially the marginalized.

With ongoing plans to establish new missions and strengthen existing ones, the Salesians remain a beacon of hope, bringing education, spiritual guidance, and technical skills to communities in need.

As the ANN Province looks ahead, it remains committed to Don Bosco’s vision of a world where young people are educated, empowered, and spiritually enriched.

Current Salesian Presence in ANN (2024)

-          12 canonically erected communities

-          3 additional presences

-          More requests from Bishops to establish new missions

Salesian Administrative Evolution in ANN

-          Initially dependent on Italian Salesian Provinces (ISU and INE)

-          Became part of the West Africa Anglo-Speaking Delegation (AFW, 1998-2003)

-          Established as an Independent Vice-Province

-          Nigeria became an AFW Provincial Delegation (2011)

-          AFW elevated to a full Province (2012)

-          ANN Province officially canonically erected (2022)

Salesians in ANN (2024): 216 Members

-          66 priests

-          10 deacons

-          87 perpetually professed clerics

-          50 temporarily professed clerics

-          3 temporarily professed coadjutors

ANN Province: Works and Apostolates

-          3 aspirantates

-          1 pre-novitiate

-          1 post-novitiate

-          1 theological studentate

-          1 university college

-          3 non-formal technical education institutes

-          4 Vocational Training Centers

-          4 Community Institutes

-          9 parishes and 9 mission stations

-          10 daily oratories and youth centers

-          1 weekend oratory

-          2 centers for at-risk youth

-          1 development project

-          1 animation center

-          2 communication centers

Salesian Family Presence in ANN

-          Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (1 center)

-          Salesian Cooperators (10 centers, ~100 members)

-          Past Pupils of Don Bosco (2 local unions, 350 members)

-          5 Centers of the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA)

-          1 Don Bosco Volunteer (VDB) and 1 Volunteer with Don Bosco (CDB)

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