Michael OKEOLA

 

The Catholic Diocese of Oyo, through the St. Cecilia Music Training Center (SCMTC), Oyo, joyfully celebrated its 5th anniversary with a solemn Mass and a series of inspiring activities highlighting faith, service, and human development.

 

The celebration, which drew a large gathering of clergy, religious, and lay faithful, was presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo.

 

Among the dignitaries present were the Dean of Iseyin Deanery, Rev. Fr. Martin Diipo Badejo; the Director of Fides Caritas and Don Bosco, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Adebayo Oke; the Chaplain of the Center, Rev. Fr. Philip Onifade; the Cathedral Administrator, Rev. Fr. Julius Olayinka; the Director of Social Communications, Rev. Fr. John Irekiigbe; the Editor of the Catholic Weekly Independent, Rev. Fr. Peter Ibimiluyi; Rev. Fr. Patrick Eyitayo Adewuyi; Rev. Fr. Sylvester Akinwole; Rev. Fr. Matthew Oladosu; Rev. Fr. Leo Eke; and several other priests.

 

Also in attendance were religious sisters, including Rev. Sr. Consolata Famoyin, Headmistress of St. Francis Nursery and Primary School; Rev. Sr. Chioma Ndolaka; and Rev. Sr. Elizabeth Agwu, the Diocesan Youth Coordinator, alongside numerous faithful.

 

Delivering a deeply reflective and vision-driven homily, the Bishop began by emphasizing gratitude as the foundation of every achievement. “First of all, the Lord is good all the time, and everything we do as human beings that succeeds is by the grace of God. So we say: Thank you, Jesus.”

 

He stressed that while thanksgiving to God is essential, it is equally important to recognize those who cooperate with divine grace in building impactful initiatives.

 

The Bishop further revealed that the vision for the St. Cecilia Music Training Center was born out of a personal reflection during his 60th birthday, when he began to think deeply about legacy and impact.

 

“I asked myself: what am I going to leave behind? How can I communicate what God has given me to those who will live 100 years from now?”

 

That reflection, he explained, led to the decision to invest in children through music—an initiative that has now impacted over 300 young people across the Diocese.

 

The Bishop commended the collective efforts of seminarians, deacons, priests, religious sisters, and catechists, noting that their collaboration has been central to the success of the music training center. “A Bishop may have a good intention and do everything possible, but if the priests, the religious, and the pastoral workers do not adopt the idea, it may succeed—but not in the way we have seen here.”

 

He added that such cooperation ensures continuity and sustainability beyond individual leadership. “When priests take such an initiative and cooperation follows, the project will outlast the bishop… it will be transmitted from one generation to another.”

 

Special recognition was given to key contributors whose sacrifices have sustained the center, including Mr. Adetoro, Mrs. Mope Ojefayo, Juliana Alade, and particularly Mr. George Olanipekun, the Coordinator of the Center.

 

Highlighting the depth of their commitment, the Bishop noted: “Many times, these children sleep in his house. He feeds them, his wife cares for them, and he transports them at his own expense. What they have done is far beyond teaching—it is sacrifice.”

 

The Bishop also clarified that the music training center is part of a broader vision of development within the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, alongside other key initiatives such as Ave Maria Microfinance Bank, Don Bosco Wood Workshop, and Fides Power Solutions led by Rev. Fr. Lawrence Adebayo Oke. “If this were for profit, we would have made enormous money. But like St. Paul says, we do not do this for our stomach—we do it for the Cross of Christ.”

 

He further emphasized the Church’s mission of holistic human development, explaining that true formation goes beyond academics. “When you send a child to school, that is intellectual development. When you train the body; that is physical development. But the Church works to develop the human being fully and completely in all dimensions.”

 

He connected this vision to the Church’s broader mission of justice, development, and peace. “How can people have peace when they have nothing to eat? That is why we must give people opportunities to live and grow.”

 

Highlighting youth empowerment, the Bishop pointed to various diocesan initiatives that equip young people with practical skills for life. “Not all will go to the university, but all must have something to do—skills that will help them live meaningful lives.”

 

Speaking on the deeper significance of music, he described it as a powerful tool for unity and spiritual growth. “Music builds communities. Music builds spirituality. Music makes people better.”

 

Following the Mass, the Chaplain of the Center, Rev. Fr. Philip Onifade, expressed profound gratitude to the Bishop for the vision behind the music training center. He encouraged the students and parents to remain committed, disciplined, and open to growth, assuring them of the Church’s continued support in nurturing both their talents and character.

 

As part of the celebration, the Coordinator of the Center, Mr. George Olanipekun, officially launched a book, marking another milestone in the center’s journey of growth and impact.

 

The event also featured awards and recognitions presented to individuals who have contributed significantly to the success of the center. Many beneficiaries, including non-Catholics, gave testimonies, praising the Catholic Church for its transformative role in their lives and in society at large.

 

During the reception, the Bishop further charged the students to deepen their understanding of the history of music, noting that such knowledge would help shape them into more refined and disciplined individuals.

 

The celebration concluded on a joyful note with impressive musical performances by the students of the center, showcasing the fruits of five years of dedication, sacrifice, and vision.

 

The anniversary stands as a testament to the power of faith-driven initiatives, the strength of community collaboration, and the enduring impact of investing in young people for the future.