Daniel UGWO

 

Members of the Catholic Lectors Association of Nigeria, SS Peter & Paul Catholic Pro-Cathedral, Lagere, Ile-Ife were grateful as Miss Blessing Nneoma Onyegbiri attended her last gathering and Mass in the community.

Posted to serve in Ile-Ife in 2024, Nneoma was a member of the National Youth Service Corps who recently completed their Service year in May 2025. A native of Imo state, born in Lagos state, grew up in Delta state and served in Osun state, Nneoma has possessed a multicultural mixed identity of the East, South and West Nigeria which is valuable in bridging the divide currently hunting the country - one of the core values of NYSC. Her experience at the Federal University of Technology (FUTO) Owerri wasn't really pleasant because, just like many Nigerian students, she was offered a course contrary to her choice, “Animal science and technology.” She never had spare time to socialize while in school as her life there was just a triangle of Class-Hostel-Church, fuelled by dissatisfaction of the course and its elongated five years of completion.

Despite missing her worship at St Thomas Aquinas Chaplaincy FUTO, without forgetting Judith and Constance who journeyed with her there. The school memories however shaped her belief to trust in herself contributing to her increased faith at the Chaplaincy. Serving in the NYSC is a long-awaited prospect for her, which is now fulfilled as she usually admired Corp members in uniform. Nneoma’s challenges never ended after school graduation, she was over-laboured at her Primary Place of Assignment (PPA) in Ile-Ife with workload above her capacity; working as a Head Teacher and Corps member at the same time. Her time in the Youth Corps influenced her perspective on community service. As a member of Environmental, Protection and Sanitation (EPSG) Community Development Service (CDS) groups, she participated in sensitizing the public through outreach Programmes.

In addition to her educational qualification, she has been able to acquire skills in data analytic, virtual assistance, case management and content writing. Nneoma has been able to develop her public speaking skills by becoming a member of the Lectors, proclaiming the Word of God. This helped her grow her spiritual life through reading and meditating on God's Word day and night. She decided to join the Parish Lector at Lagere Parish with proper understanding that ‘once a dedicated lector, always a Lector’ anywhere she finds herself.

Sharing her experience so far at SS Peter and Paul Pro-Cathedral, she said, “I love the spirit of the people of God I saw there, the way the choirs sing, and they also celebrate the Mass in English that I understand and not just Yoruba.” She cherished the zeal of serving God in the members of the Parish community and how they dance during offertory. In the Parish Lectors group according to her, “I learnt many things, like in my parish we don't practice the Gospel, but here they do.” Gold and Silver, parish lectors don’t have to give her but their collective warmness and accommodation, this influenced them, wearing their complete cape as they pose in photograph in honour of her dedication. 

The Parish Priest, Very Rev. Dr Peter Adeyemi presented her with certificate of achievement. In her final remarks, she said; "Dear beloved lectors, tears of gratitude fill my eyes as I bid you farewell. Your love, wisdom, and spiritual guidance have touched my heart in ways words can't express. I'll cherish the memories and lessons learned from you. May God's love surround and bless you all. With love, tears, and deepest appreciation. Thanks for stepping out today for my Thanksgiving, indeed I’m grateful. Blessing.”