WAF Africa Launches New Body, Advocates Global Peace Through Fatima Message
By Clement Odum
The World Apostolate of Fatima (WAF) Africa has inaugurated a new Body aimed at strengthening evangelization efforts and promoting the message of peace as requested by Our Lady of Fatima.
The inauguration ceremony, held at McGovern Hall, St. Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland, Lagos, commenced with the recognition and honouring of distinguished members of the association. The event was themed “World Peace as it Relates to the Request of Our Lady of Fatima.”
Speaking at the occasion, the President of WAF Africa, Dr. John Anionye, Associates Professor of Medicine, and specialist in Medical and clinical Biochemistry, in the Department of medical Biochemistry College of medical sciences University of Benin Benin City ,described the current state of the world as a continuing battle between good and evil. He recalled the messages of Our Lady of Fatima in 1917, emphasizing her warnings about global conflicts and the need for prayer, repentance, and conversion.
The President of WAF Africa, emphasized further that there was need for praying of the daily Rosary and the observance of the Saturday Devotion in reparation to the immaculate Heart of Mary to Obtain World Peace.
According to Dr. Anionye, humanity cannot achieve lasting peace through its own efforts alone but requires God’s grace and sincere spiritual conversion.
“We have been instructed to evangelize and spread this message throughout the world. Human beings on their own cannot establish true peace. We need God’s grace, and many souls need to seek that grace through prayer and conversion,” he said.
He urged Christians to examine their lives, deepen their faith, and pray for others, noting that the mission of WAF is to encourage people to embrace the message of Fatima and become agents of peace.
Dr. Anionye further stressed the need for renewed commitment among members and greater participation across Catholic dioceses in Nigeria.
“My vision is for members not only to hear the Gospel of Christ but to experience personal conversion that will transform society. Through evangelization, prayer, and dedication, we can reach many more souls with this message,” he stated.
The WAF President encouraged members to remain steadfast despite challenges.
“When you want to do God’s work, opposition will come. But the success of this inauguration shows that people are willing to support the mission of Our Lady and contribute to the promotion of peace,” he added.
Among the dignitaries present were Chief E. A. Otokhima, Chief Mrs. Rosemary T. Dafit, and Rev. Fr. Theodore Martinos, Parish Priest of St. Agnes Catholic Church.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Rev. Fr. Theodore Martinos spoke extensively on the theme, “World Peace as it Relates to the Request of Our Lady of Fatima in This Present Age.” He emphasized the importance of prayer, faith, and moral responsibility in fostering peace in families, communities, and nations.
Also speaking at the event, the Special Guest of Honour, Princess Dr. Omotayo Omotosho, MFR, echoed the call for global peace, urging individuals and leaders to uphold truth, justice, and the values necessary for peaceful coexistence. The chairperson of the occasion,Mrs Chinyelu Anyiam – Osigwe and her amiable husband,Nze George Anyiam – Osigwe.
The inauguration concluded with renewed commitments by members to advance the Fatima message across Africa and contribute to efforts aimed at building a more peaceful and spiritually renewed world.
