Bishop Stephen Mamza SECAM election as First Vice President sparks celebration in Yola Diocese. Nigerian faithful welcome the Church leader’s continental rise

Bishop Stephen Mamza SECAM recognition reached new heights as the Catholic Bishop of Yola was elected First Vice President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).

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The announcement was made during SECAM’s 20th Plenary Assembly in Kigali, Rwanda, where African bishops gathered to reflect on the Church’s mission across the continent.

Bishop Mamza, who previously served as Adamawa State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), now steps into a leadership role alongside notable Church figures.

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo of Kinshasa, DR Congo, emerged as SECAM President, with Bishop José Manuel Imbamba of Angola as Second Vice President, and Bishop Gabriel Edoe Kumordji of Ghana as Treasurer.

Other key appointments include Rev. Fr. Rafael Simbine Junior (Mozambique) as Secretary General and Fr. Uchechukwu Obodoechina of Nigeria as Deputy Secretary General.

Mamza’s elevation was met with joy and admiration from the clergy and parishioners of Yola Diocese, who praised his spiritual leadership and expressed strong confidence in his ability to excel at a continental level.

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The moment is seen as a powerful affirmation of Nigeria’s continued influence in the Catholic Church’s African leadership structure.