NFCS Media

The Nigeria Federation of Catholic Students (NFCS), Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, held its Biennial Convention from April 24 to 27, 2025, at Our Lady of Fatima Academy, Iwo, Osun

State. The theme was “Pilgrims of Hope: Let No Man Despise Thy Youth” (1 Timothy 4:12). About 250 delegates from the six Dioceses in the province attended the event. It was a time of faith, learning, and unity.

The four-day event was filled with social and spiritual activities. From the moment delegates arrived, there was excitement in the air as young Catholic students came together to pray and socialize.

In his opening speech, the Provincial President, Ajekigbe Michael Adebayo, urged all students to be good examples in faith, love, and honesty. He reminded them to stay strong despite the challenges in the country and be a light in a world full of darkness and to participate actively throughout the programme.

The convention began with a Holy Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Samuel Fredrick, the Provincial Chaplain, who represented the Archbishop of Ibadan, Most. Rev. Dr. Gabriel Abegunrin along with some Chaplains from across the Province. It was a solemn and uplifting start to the convention.

One of the key moments was the keynote talk by Rev. Fr. Johnpaul Nnajiofor who spoke deeply about the theme and encouraged students to stay faithful and pure and encouraged all youth to be more innovative and active in the life of the Church.

There was also a career talk by Dr. Scholastica Atata who gave helpful advice on choosing a career path and controversies in most professions today especially the “JAPA Syndrome” .There was also relationship talk and interactive session with Mr and Mrs Akadiri, a loving couple who shared tips on building healthy and Godly relationships as youths.

Another highlight of the event was the Choral Competition in which each Diocese showcased their talent in music which ended with Oyo Diocese winning first place, followed by Osogbo and Ekiti Dioceses. The performances brought joy and unity to the audience.

There was a general congress on the 26th April 2024 that brought all delegates together to discuss how to improve the federation across the Province. In attendance was the Tobechukwu Augustine, the Outgoing NFCS National President. He spoke on the importance of being active members of NFCS and the impact it brings in our lives as students and beyond.

Plans for an academic conference in 2026 were also discussed. The Provincial President laid emphasis on reconnecting NFCS back to its roots as it is a body under CYON and encouraged all Diocesan Presidents to do so in their various Dioceses and all NFCSers to be a part of this.

There was a social/variety night afterwards which brought laughter, dance, and fun. The highlight of the evening was the Beauty Pageantry in which Emmanuel Peter and Ayeni Stephanie from Osogbo Diocese came victorious as Mr. and Miss NFCS Ibadan Province.

On the 27th April, 2025, we had the closing/Thanksgiving Mass. Certificates were given to outgoing Diocesan Presidents and special gifts were also presented to the Provincial Chaplain in appreciation of his service. The New Mr. and Miss. NFCS Ibadan Province was also crowned and blessed by the Provincial Chaplain.

As the convention ended, there was a clear sense of hope and direction as the students left ready to lead, inspire others, and live out their faith in a changing world. Plans are already in motion for the 2026 Provincial conference, which will focus on academics and it aims to be even more impactful.