By Mercy Akuba 
The Conference of Non-Governmental Organisations (CONGOS) has inaugurated a new Board of Trustees, marking a significant milestone in strengthening civil society leadership and coordination in Edo State.
At the inaugural Joint Meeting of the Board and Executive Council held on April 21, 2026, at the conference secretariat, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Fidelis Oriabure Arhedo was elected Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Sabina Idowu-Osehobo emerged Vice Chairman, while the President of CONGOS, Comrade Dr. Bartholomew Okoudo FCS, PPL, was elected Secretary of the Board.
The newly elected Chairman, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Fidelis Oriabure Arhedo, is a Catholic priest, scholar, and development practitioner with decades of experience in pastoral ministry and social advocacy.
Ordained in November 2002, Fr. Arhedo has consistently championed justice, peace, and human dignity through both spiritual leadership and community engagement.
He hails from Idinegbon Ewatto in Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
He holds academic qualifications in Philosophy, Theology, and Education, including a PhD in Guidance and Counselling from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
His scholarly interests include social ethics, governance, human rights, and cultural transformation.
Leadership Rooted in Service and Impact
Since 2006, Fr. Arhedo has served as Executive Director of the Uromi Justice, Development, Peace and Caritas Initiative (JDPCI), where he has built one of the most respected faith-based development institutions in Edo State.
His professional training spans conflict management, gender mainstreaming, monitoring and evaluation, global health, and prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse.
He has also played key roles in policy advocacy, contributing to the review of Edo State’s Trafficking in Persons Law and the implementation of the Gender-Based Violence Policy.
He currently serves on the Edo State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee.
National and Ecclesiastical Contributions.
Fr. Arhedo holds several leadership positions, including Provincial Coordinator of the Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) for the Benin Ecclesiastical Province and Coordinator of Church and Society under the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria.
Despite his extensive administrative responsibilities, he remains deeply committed to pastoral duties, mentoring young leaders and guiding communities in faith and development.
A Vision Anchored on Humanity
Described as humble yet resolute, Fr. Arhedo exemplifies a leadership style grounded in service, compassion, and intellectual depth.
His work reflects a strong commitment to human rights, social justice, and sustainable development.
In his words:
“Service to humanity is the highest expression of faith.”
The newly elected Vice Chairman of the Board, Sabina Idowu-Osehobo, is widely recognised for her contributions to advocacy and organisational management.
She previously served as Executive Director of the Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO), where she led impactful advocacy programmes focused on social development.
Her expertise includes HIV/AIDS mainstreaming, project and organisational management, and financial administration.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Language from Edo State University and a Diploma in Mass Communication.
She also has media experience, having worked as an editor with The Nigerian Observer and Here and There magazine.
She is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and the National Consultative Forum on Women and AIDS.
Comrade Dr. Bartholomew Okoudo, Secretary of the Board, and the President of CONGOS is a passionate Civil Rights Activist, Community development worker, youth empowerment expert, and mentor.
He is widely known for championing social justice, human rights, and sustainable community development.
Dr. Okoudo in his remark, congratulated the newly elected Board leadership and expressed confidence in their capacity and proven track records to advance the organisation.
The new CONGOS Board leadership is expected to strengthen collaboration within the civil society space in Edo State, advancing policies and programmes that promote equity, justice, and sustainable development.
