Joy AIGBE

The Catholic Organists, Choirmasters and Choristers Association (COCCA) on Saturday 10th January 2026, successfully organized a seminar at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Mokola, Ibadan, aimed at strengthening leadership capacity, promoting unity, and deepening spiritual consciousness within the Catholic music ministry.

 

The seminar brought together organists, choirmasters, choristers, and church music stakeholders from different parishes within and beyond Ibadan, reaffirming COCCA’s commitment to the growth and sustainability of Catholic liturgical music.

 

The programme featured two resource persons whose presentations addressed both the spiritual and practical dimensions of leadership in ministry.

 

The first speaker, Rev. Fr. Felix Obialo, delivered a lecture titled “Harmony in Ministry: Voices of Faith, The Choir, Her Leadership and Catholic Worship and Spirituality.”

In his address, Rev. Fr. Obialo underscored the sacred responsibility of the choir as a liturgical body whose primary mission is to aid worship and glorify God. He stressed that choir leadership must be anchored in humility, obedience to church authority, discipline, and a deep understanding of Catholic liturgy. He further emphasized that harmony in ministry begins with unity of purpose, mutual respect, and spiritual maturity among members. According to him, when choir leaders lead with faith and integrity, the choir becomes an effective instrument for evangelization and worship.

 

The second speaker, Mr. Peter Ahaneku, spoke on the topic “Authentic Leadership: Aligning Values, Purpose and Emotional Intelligence for Inspiring Leadership.”

Mr. Ahaneku highlighted the need for leaders in church organizations to be intentional, value driven, and emotionally intelligent. He explained that authentic leadership involves self-awareness, empathy, effective communication, and the ability to inspire trust. He encouraged choir leaders to manage conflicts constructively, motivate members positively, and lead with compassion, noting that emotional intelligence is essential for sustaining teamwork and unity within the choir.

 

Speaking during the seminar, the Archdiocesan Choir President (COCCA), Mr Matthew Akinwalere expressed deep appreciation to the speakers for their enlightening and impactful presentations. In his remarks, he reaffirmed COCCA’s vision of building spiritually grounded, disciplined, and competent music ministers who understand both the liturgical and leadership demands of their calling.

 

He also emphasized that the seminar was part of COCCA’s ongoing efforts to reposition Catholic music ministry through continuous training, capacity building, and mentorship.

He encouraged members to apply the lessons learned in their respective parishes, particularly in fostering unity, effective leadership, and reverence in liturgical music.

He concluded by saying “COCCA remains committed to raising leaders who will serve with integrity, promote harmony, and uphold the dignity of Catholic worship through music.”

 

The Archdiocesan Music Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Peter Ibimiluyi in his remarks appreciated all for the massive turnout, he continued by laying emphasis on the need for all to take the learning into act. He further encouraged all to use the new year as a point to join the Archdiocesan Choir as this is the face of the Association, he continued by seeking the collaboration of all Choristers in ensuring that the Archdiocesan Choir is working at its full strength, all previous issues has been reviewed and it's a better time to collaborate.

 

Participants actively engaged in interactive sessions, questions, and group discussions, sharing experiences and challenges faced in choir administration and ministry.

Many attendees described the seminar as timely, enriching, and transformative.

 

The seminar recorded an attendance of approximately 108 members, comprising organists, choirmasters, choristers, and invited guests.

 

The programme concluded with closing prayers by the Assistant Choir chaplain Rev. Fr. JohnPaul Aniwodo, and a renewed commitment by members to uphold the ideals of unity, leadership excellence, and spiritual growth in Catholic music ministry.