Emmanuel Osewe AKUBOR

The Management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife has commended the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria in particular and the Catholic Community in general for their efforts towards peace-building and national harmony both at the national level and on Campus.

This disclosure was made by the Vice - Chancellor of the University, Prof. Adebayo Simone Bamire, during the special interaction and Dinner of the Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria and the Principal Officers of the University, which held at the open space of the Holy Childhood Pavilion of the University Chaplaincy on 16th September. 2026. Prof Bamire who was highly elated at the gathering was accompanied to the occasion by the Deputy Vice - Chancellor Administration Prof. Oluropo Emmanuel Akinfla and Deputy Vice - Chancellor Academics, Prof. Ganiyu Adesola Aderounmu. As far as the Vice Chancellor is concerned, the hosting of the 2026 Second Penary meeting of the Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria by Osogbo Diocese reflects God’s blessing on his administration as it was a rare privilege to be part of such occasion and during his administration. 

According to the Vice Chancellor Prof Bamire, the Catholic Church has always been at the forefront of peace-building and harmonious existence in Nigeria and that has been replicated in the University’s Campus. Prof. Bamire thanked the Church for what she has always stood for, arguing that he is also a product of Catholic Education having attending both Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools.   The VC urged the CBCN in particular and the Church in general to continue to pray for peace and progress of the Country and the world at large.

Responding on behalf of the CBCN, the Assistant Secretary of the body of Bishops, Moses Chikwe who is also the Auxiliary Bishop of Owerri, thanked the Vice Chancellor and his Principal officers for the warm reception granted them and the cordial relationship that exists between the University Management and the Chaplaincy. He apologized on behalf of the body for not making the visit much earlier during the day as they had visited the Ooni of Ife, before coming to the university.   He assured the University of their Continuous Prayers and support, while at the same time calling for even more collaborating in the task of keeping the country united.

Earlier on the Parish Pastoral Council Chairman of Our Lady of Perpetual Light Chapel, Prof. K.T, Ijadunola, had thanked the CBCN for considering the Chaplaincy as part of the visit as they held the 2026 Second Plenary meeting hosted by the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo under the leadership of Most. Rev. John Akin Oyejola. He requested the body to always have the Chaplaincy at heart especially in the expansion projects of the Chaplaincy. He prayed for God’s guidance and protection on the Bishops as they continue to pilot the affairs of the Church.

Gifts were presented to the Bishops by the Dean of Ife Deanery Rev.  Fr. (Dr). Peter Adeyemi, who is also the Parish Priest of Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Pro-Cathedral, Lagere, Ile-Ie. The Dinner Night was jointly hosted by Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Pro-Cathedral, Lagere and Our Lady of Perpetual Light Chaplaincy, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, whose Chaplain is Rev. Fr. Michael Akinsode.  The Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Bishop Jude Arogundade gave the final blessings and benediction