Amb. Edith ISIDAHOMEN

tonnisco7@gmail.com

 

Introduction

The Ibadan Provincial Laity Executive Council Meeting, held from 18th to 19th July 2025 at the Pope John Paul II Pastoral Centre, Ado-Ekiti in the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, brought together representatives from across the province in a spirit of communion, collaboration, and commitment to the mission of the Church. As a meeting in the Jubilee Year of Hope, it provided a unique opportunity for reflection, strategic planning, and renewal of purpose in line with the Laity Council’s motto: “Salt of the Earth, Light of the World.”

The resolutions reached serve as a roadmap for deepening the faith, unity, and apostolic zeal of the laity across the Province, with the aim of making more impactful contributions to the life of the Church and the broader society.

 

Resolutions

The resolutions are:

1. Chaplain-Laity Relationship: We should strengthen and foster cordial and collaborative relationships between Chaplains and Laity Executive Members across Archdiocese and all Dioceses in the Province.

 

2. Ongoing Formation: We should emphasize the continuous formation and spiritual development of the lay faithful in our respective Archdiocese and Dioceses

 

3. Evangelization Drive: We should reinforce evangelization as a central priority of lay apostolate activities.

 

4. Sitting Allowance Policy: Sitting allowances are discouraged and should not be practiced within any lay apostolate structure.

 

5. Implementation of CSN Guidelines: All Arch/Diocesan Laity Councils within the Province are to implement and adhere strictly to the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) guidelines.

 

6. Interpersonal Relationships: Members are encouraged to demonstrate patience, understanding, and mutual respect in all interactions with our priests and fellow lay faithful.

 

7. Lawful Conduct: The Province reaffirms its unwavering commitment to abiding by the directives and guidelines of the National Laity Council.

 

8. Catholic Social Forum (CSF) 2024 National Convention: The Planning Committee is mandated to submit a comprehensive report by the end of August 2025.

A five-member committee is constituted to follow up on the CSF 2024 National Convention/AGM, with a two-week deadline to present updates.

 

9. Provincial Elections: Letters are to be addressed to the Bishops of the Province through their respective Chaplains, requesting the nomination of competent candidates along with letters of recommendation for the forthcoming Provincial Laity Executive Council elections.

 

10. Proper Handing Over: Outgoing Executives are to ensure a proper handover process, especially the submission of the Council’s financial statements at the upcoming October AGM. Individual letters are to be sent to each outgoing executive member to this effect.

 

11. Laity Week Manual: The translation of the Laity Week Manual into Yoruba is encouraged to enhance understanding and accessibility at the grassroots.

 

12. Sodalities and Affiliation: All lay sodalities are urged to operate under the umbrella of the Laity Council for improved representation and coordination.

 

13. In conclusion, the Council calls on the Federal Government to redouble its efforts in addressing security challenges across the country and to take decisive actions to enhance the living conditions of the Nigerian people. Politicians are equally urged to prioritize the welfare of the masses above personal or partisan interests.

 

Motto: Salt of the Earth, Light of the World