John-Ralph AYODELE

 

The Leadership and Members of the Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria, CYON, Ekiti Diocese has once again exhibited their talents at their 2025 biennial Congress held at the Federal Government Technical College, Usi-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

 

The biennial Congress, held between Thursday, September 4, 2025 and Sunday, September 7, 2025 with the Theme: “You are also my witnesses because you have been with me (John 15:27) featured liturgical, Educative, Fun-filled and field events like the Celebration of Holy Mass, Quiz Competition, Ojúde CYON, Talk on Inculturation and Catholicism, Camp Fire, Interactive Sessions, Beauty Pageant, aerobics, among others.

 

In his homily at the opening Mass, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, Most Rev. Felix Femi Ajakaye, represented by Rev. Fr. Lawrence Femi Adetola charged the delegates to understand the importance of time as Catholic Youths. He laid emphasis on the fact that doing the right thing at the right time produces a positive result, while doing the right thing at the wrong time could be disastrous.

 

The homilist further challenged them, to be committed to their faith and to be witnesses to Christ, for they have been with Him from the moment they received the sacrament of baptism.

 

Commenting, the Congress Planning Committee Chairman, Mr. Zaccheaus Taiwo Adaramoye thanked God for the grace received. He appreciated the Chief Shepherd of the Diocese, Most Rev. Felix Femi Ajakaye for his spiritual guidance and the permission granted them to move round the Parishes within the Diocese to solicit for financial support.

 

He commended the support gained from the Diocesan CYON Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Joseph Bamidele; his Assistant, Rev. Fr. Felix Oladele; the host Deanery CYON Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Matthew Adewumi; All Deanery Presidents; Parish Priests with special attention on the Parish Priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Usi-Ekiti, Rev. Fr. Stephen Ojo; the Management of the Government Girls College, Usi-Ekiti as well as the Leadership and members of the Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria, Ekiti Diocese.

 

Mr. Adaramoye encouraged the delegates to use the opportunity of their coming together, to renew the values and potentials they possess, and to think of how to use them positively in the Church and for a better society. “Your life makes a difference, guard your affection for they influence everything in your life”. He added.

 

The Social aspect of the Congress was brought to a close with a well organised Dinner Night, where Miss Francisca Blessing Ojo from Ilawe Deanery emerged as MISS CYON, Ekiti Diocese and Mr Clement Jegede from Ikere Deanery, as MR CYON, Ekiti Diocese in a well-contested beauty pageant.

 

Among other notable persons that attended the Congress were the immediate Past Diocesan Chaplain of CYON Ekiti Diocese, Rev. Fr. John Paul Ogundipe; the Ibadan Provincial Provost of the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria, Prince Thomas Adegoke Abaekere; President of Ekiti Diocesan Catholic Women Organisation of Nigeria, Lady Helen Iyabo Omodara; the National Coordinator of the Young Missionary Movement, YOMM, Mr. Peter Adunbi and the Immediate past President of the Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria, Ekiti Diocese Mr. Emmanuel Owoofe