Archbishop Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin (6th Left), guests, and laity council members at the get-together.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan Laity Council has held its maiden edition of the “Luncheon With the Archbishop” get-together with the Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin at the Church of the Ascension, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Speaking at the occasion, the President, Ibadan Archdiocesan Laity Council, Mr. Felix Oladokun informed that the luncheon was part of the programme of activities for the 2024 Lay Apostolate Harvest and the essence is to raise funds for the new Archdiocesan Secretariat Building Project. According to him, the building, which started some years back, had been roofed only to be completed for use and is located at the Parliament Road, near the Government Secretariat, Ibadan. The building is to house the Chancery, laity office, multi-purpose hall, among other offices of lay organisations in the Archdiocese.
Oladokun called on the state government, under the leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde and everyone present at the event to support the laudable project and see to it that it is completed in good time. The President further said that the guests’ generous donations would go a long way to actualise the dreams of the Archdiocese and that history would never forget their kind gestures towards this important project. He further thanked all for their immense support, and most especially, the hosting Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Francis Awotoye for the free hall provided for the occasion, assuring that “whatever that is realised today will be used for the purpose it is meant for’’.
The chairman of the occasion, Mr. Abiola Layonu stated that “Today’s event is not only for merry-making, but to raise funds for the Archdiocesan secretariat. The church is ours, like it was said recently by ‘Baba’. We need to support the work of God, though things are very hard’’, as he enjoined everyone present to donate generously at the well-attended ceremony, which had Archbishop Abegunrin as the Special Guest of Honour. On his part, His Grace said that the gathering of the day is to move the Archdiocese forward. He commended the laity council members, who decided, through their President and the Chaplain, to implement the project.
He said that among all the dioceses in the Ibadan Province, which cover Oyo, Osogbo, Ekiti, Ondo, Ibadan and Ilorin, it is only the Ibadan Archdiocese, which is the seat of the Province that does have a befitting chancery, which can be proud of. He added that the Archdiocese is just managing at present and that there is need for a better Archdiocesan secretariat while encouraged everyone to donate generously. Earlier, in a press interview, the Archbishop had said that “every activity will converge, as for administration; as an administrative centre. Now, when you look at it, if you travel around this Province, we are the only one, who has no secretariat … But here, we are just managing, we are doing all our work well, even including what extends to all other dioceses and archdioceses, but then, it is not the real thing we should have. We need a better one”.
The technical narration of the building project was given by Arch. Adedamola Adekanmbi, who disclosed that the project is a noble one, which started a long time ago with some contemporary designs added, which included the front view, layout, parking spaces, offices for lay organisations, conference hall, chapel and others meant to be allocated spaces in the building. The description of the building was also given to include the staircase and balustrade, windows and doors, floor, wall and ceiling finishing, painting and decoration, electrical installations, plumbing, mechanical installation, and landscaping. According to Adekanmbi, the technical assessment had been done and the total sum needed is estimated at the sum of N129 million while a short video was projected on the building.
The Vicar-General of the Archdiocese, Very Rev. Fr. Gregory Oyelami appreciated the laity council for making this effort. He added that it is in the spirit of synodality, by working together, we can hold the Archdiocese together. As a former Archdiocesan Secretary, he said he used to travel a lot across the length and breath of the country and had been able to see what is obtainable in other dioceses, saying that in the Ibadan Province and among dioceses, Ibadan Archdiocese has no befitting secretariat of its own, hence lauded the initiative, as he gave his personal donation.
Notable dignitaries at the luncheon included the Parish Priest of the Church of Ascension, Rev. Fr. Francis Awotoye; Parish Priest, St. Agnes Catholic Church, Apete, Rev. Fr. Augustine Wale Taiwo; Chaplain, Archdiocesan Laity Council, Very Rev. Fr. Paul Asawale; President, Ibadan Archdiocesan Catholic Women Organisation; Lady Clara Yemi-Oke; Acting President, Ibadan Archdiocesan Catholic Men Organisation, Mr. Felix Aderoh; and President, Ibadan Archdiocesan Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria, Mr. Happy Innocent; guests and donors from within and outside the church, including representatives of C & C Investment Nig. Ltd. There was the cutting of cake while the vote of thanks was given by the Chairperson, 2024 Lay Apostolate Harvest Chairperson, Mrs. Christiana Folorunso, who used the opportunity invite all to the Lay Apostolate Harvest Thanksgiving Mass, slated for July 13, 2024 at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Orita-Challenge, Ibadan, starting at 10am (Sponsored).
