Michael OKEOLA

 

 

Bishop Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo has described his forty years in the priesthood as a journey of joy, service and renewed commitment to God and humanity, saying the milestone represents not an ending but a Launchpad for deeper service to the Church.

 

Speaking during an extensive interview to mark his 40th Priestly Anniversary, the Bishop reflected on a vocation he said he has never experienced as a burden, but as a gift continually enriched by the people God has placed in his path. According to him, the encouragement, prayers, collaboration and support of the faithful over the years have made priesthood an exciting and fulfilling calling.

 

 

The anniversary celebrations, which spanned several days and cut across virtually all segments of the Church, were deliberately designed to be inclusive. From children in primary schools to students in secondary and tertiary institutions, families, youths acquiring vocational skills, musicians and priests, Bishop Badejo said each gathering was an opportunity to give thanks to God and to appreciate the sacrifices of the people.

 

 

For the Bishop, involving the entire Church was a way of saying “thank you” to those whose lives and faith journeys have inspired him. He noted that families, particularly young families struggling to raise children in a harsh economic environment while remaining faithful to Christian values, have been a constant source of inspiration. By spreading the celebrations across different groups, he hoped the impact would go beyond a single ceremonial event and leave lasting encouragement, especially for the young, to persevere in faith.

 

 

Reflecting on the state and future of Oyo Diocese, Bishop Badejo expressed strong optimism, insisting that the diocese can only move forward and upward. He described the anniversary events as a clear demonstration of synodality in action, the Church walking and working together. According to him, the success of the celebrations underscored the strength of collaboration, networking and shared responsibility among priests, choirs, parents, youths and seminarians.

 

 

He said he was deeply moved by the unity displayed, noting that such collective effort reflects a diocese that has become a force of cohesion in advancing the mission of Christ. With visible enthusiasm among seminarians and young people, the Bishop expressed confidence that the achievements of the future would surpass those of the present.

 

 

On the broader role of the Church in Nigeria, Bishop Badejo emphasized formation as its central mission, the continuous formation of children, youths, families and communities to confront social, moral, political and economic challenges with faith. He warned that excluding God from public and private life leads to moral collapse, stressing that the Church must remain a lighthouse in a dark world, offering direction, hope and moral clarity.

 

 

Drawing on imagery from Scripture and literature, he likened the Church to Noah’s Ark, tasked with gathering and forming people so they can transform the world rather than be overwhelmed by it. He argued that the future of society depends on whether people of faith are willing to live Christianity fully, noting that one cannot be a “part-time Christian” in a world where evil operates relentlessly.

 

 

Speaking on his personal journey, Bishop Badejo traced his understanding of priesthood to his upbringing, where priests were consistently spoken of as people who served and supported others. As a young priest, his focus was on easing burdens, working with youths and bringing joy through music and community engagement. However, as a Bishop, he said the sense of responsibility has deepened, shifting from voluntary service to a binding duty to guide, accompany and give direction, even in difficult circumstances.

 

 

He expressed concern over the growing despair among young people in the country, describing every case of suicide as a collective failure of society. For him, priesthood and episcopal ministry demand reaching out to the confused, discouraged and broken, walking with them in the spirit of synodality — just as Christ walked with the disciples on the road to Emmaus.

 

 

Addressing challenges encountered over the years, Bishop Badejo acknowledged experiences of misunderstanding and opposition, noting that not everyone will always agree or speak kindly. He said his approach has been shaped by faith, personal upbringing and a refusal to be distracted by hostility. Rather than dwell on adversaries, he believes in focusing energy on progress and trusting in God’s protection. Financial and environmental limitations, he added, remain natural challenges, but each new day presents another opportunity to overcome them.

 

Looking back on moments that most strongly signify God’s grace, the Bishop described every day of priesthood as a renewed ordination. However, he recalled his appointment as Bishop of Oyo as a particularly defining moment one that came unexpectedly and was initially met with disbelief and confusion. Nearly two decades later, he said that experience remains a powerful reminder that priesthood and leadership in the Church are gifts granted solely by God.

 

 

On legacy, Bishop Badejo pointed to the culture of collaboration within Oyo Diocese as his greatest achievement. He highlighted the strength of the Pastoral Council, the existence of a Diocesan Pastoral Plan developed through widespread consultation, and the growth of youth leadership within the Church. According to him, the fact that young people from the diocese now occupy leadership positions at state and national levels is a clear sign that the future of the Church is secured.

 

He also praised the unity among priests and religious, noting that their ability to independently plan and execute major diocesan events demonstrates maturity and shared ownership of the Church’s mission. With such structures in place, he said the progress of the diocese no longer depends on one individual but on a collective commitment to faith and service.

 

 

As he marks forty years in the priesthood, Bishop Badejo described the milestone not as a culmination but as a renewed beginning, entrusting the future entirely to God and reaffirming his readiness to continue serving wherever divine providence leads.