Amb. Edith ISIDAHOMEN

 

The Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria (CLCN), Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, successfully held its Provincial Executive Council (PEC) Meeting from Friday, February 13 to Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Pastoral Institute (PI), Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State.

 

Proceedings began with a solemn Eucharistic celebration during which the new Provincial Laity Executive Council was officially inaugurated by the Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin.

 

 

The Archbishop presided over the Mass alongside concelebrating priests which included the Provincial Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Paul Akinyode; Ibadan Archdiocesan Laity Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Paul Asawale; and Osogbo Diocesan Laity Chaplain, Rev. Fr. S. Olowolagba.

 

Delivering his charge during the celebration, Archbishop Abegunrin urged members of the newly inaugurated executive to ensure that their conducts, decisions, and services at all times clearly reflect their Catholic identity, emphasizing that whatever they do must demonstrate that they are Catholics in both faith and action.

 

The homily was delivered by Rev. Fr. Paul Asawale, who encouraged the laity to remain steadfast in active faith, service, and responsible Christian witness in society.

Following extensive deliberations at the general assembly which took place after the Mass, the Council adopted several resolutions aimed at strengthening evangelization, faith formation, and effective participation of lay faithful in both the Church and the society. The PEC resolved to fully align with the communiqué of the Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province titled “Sustaining Hope and Strengthening Our Good Efforts,” with emphasis on intensified catechesis through the YOUCAT, promotion of Catholic institutions, and stronger integration among lay organizations.

 

In line with national directives of the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria, the Province also resolved to actively participate in the nationwide voters’ registration drive by mobilizing lay faithful to register, vote responsibly, and engage constructively in civic life in accordance with Catholic Social Teaching. The Council further approved the reactivation and strengthening of the Catholic Social Forum at all levels.

 

The new Provincial Executive Council (PEC) is headed by Prof. Francis O. Ibimiluyi, while Mr. Francis Ojo Olayinka serves as the General Secretary.

 

The PEC called for full participation across all dioceses in the 2026 Laity Week celebrations and expressed strong support for Ondo Diocese as host of the First National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting scheduled for April 17–19, 2026.

 

Additionally, the Council adopted the report of the 51st Annual National Conference/AGM held in Uyo, congratulating Mr. Francis Ojo Olayinka on his unanimous return as National General Secretary and commending delegates for their exemplary representation.

 

As part of its forward planning, the Council approved proposed programmes for 2026, including the next statutory PEC meeting scheduled to hold in Osogbo Diocese in June 2026. Emphasis was also placed on strengthening participation through greater involvement of lay associations, enhanced media engagement, deeper teaching of Catholic Social Doctrine, and capacity-building initiatives such as workshops on artificial intelligence, empowerment, and formation programmes for youths, women, and vulnerable groups.

 

The meeting concluded with renewed commitment to unity, discipline, accountability, and faithful service to the Church and society under the Council’s motto: “Salt of the Earth, Light of the World.”