Vincent OBANIYI

 

The St. Cecilia Music Training Centre (SCMTC), Oyo, on Thursday, September 4, 2025, held its annual End-of-Session Concert, a celebration marked by music, gratitude, and recognition of benefactors who have supported the Centre’s steady growth.

 

The event began with an opening prayer led by Mrs. Cecilia Mopelola Ojefayo, followed by remarks from Rev. Fr. Patrick Adewuyi, who praised God for inspiring Bishop Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo to establish the Centre four years ago. He noted that the school has now extended its reach with a sub-Centre in Iseyin and a growing branch in Ogbomosho. Fr. Adewuyi commended the teachers, particularly the Principal Instructor, Mr. Olanipekun Olakunle George, for their resilience and dedication despite the challenges of teaching children. Filled with joy, he donated ₦100,000 towards the growth of the Centre.

 

In his welcome address, Mr. George described the concert as a celebration of the skills and talents the students had acquired during their training. He expressed deep gratitude to God and paid special tribute to Bishop Badejo for his consistent care, provision of resources, and fatherly support. He acknowledged the Bishop’s significant contributions, including the upgrade of the solar system to ensure uninterrupted power, the provision of iron wardrobes for equipment, the purchase of new musical instruments worth over one million naira, and his constant presence through visits and spiritual guidance.

 

Several benefactors were recognized for their continuous generosity. Among them were Rev. Fr. Gabriel Adeleke, who ensured the compound remained clean and well kept, Mrs. Ojefayo for providing free medical care, and Rev. Sr. Consolata Famoyin, who supplied chairs for the students. Others appreciated included Mr. Gbenga for transportation support, along with Rev. Fr. Benjamin Jolasun, Chief Mrs. Beatrice Ojo, Prince and Princess Yemi and Bukola Aluko, and many others.

 

Parents also shared their experiences. Mr. Bamikole Idowu, though not a Catholic, expressed his happiness at the concert and praised the Centre’s impact, noting how his child’s performance at their Church service had received positive feedback. He pledged to introduce more students from his Church, while encouraging prospective parents to seize the opportunity to enroll their wards.

Similarly, Mrs. Mary Popoola of Divine Mercy Catholic Church, Saki, lauded the Centre’s summer training program, describing it as a brilliant initiative by the Catholic Diocese of Oyo that helps children learn music while building a brighter future. She thanked the Bishop, the Coordinators, and Instructors for making learning possible during the holiday and urged parents to enroll their children without hesitation.

 

Mr. George also used the occasion to announce future plans for the Centre. As SCMTC approaches its fifth anniversary in April 2026, he revealed that a commemorative book as well as a music textbook would be published to mark the milestone. He encouraged parents to continue spreading the good news of the Centre and to bring in more wards for training.

 

Students added their voices as well. Eyebiokin Emmanuel, a multi-instrumentalist from Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, Oyo, expressed joy at his growth in both trumpet and guitar. Alabi Olajumoke Victoria, also from Oyo Deanery, spoke passionately about her love for the trombone, describing it as one of the best instruments made even more enjoyable by dedicated teachers. Ayangbaro Cynthia, a saxophonist from Ijio Deanery, described SCMTC as a place that nurtures both discipline and musical talent, urging other children to join and take advantage of the opportunities it offers.

 

While celebrating achievements, Mr. George also acknowledged challenges, including inconsistency among some students, inadequacy of musical instruments, and attitudes towards the recently adjusted subsidized tuition of ₦10,000. He expressed optimism that with prayers and continued support, these hurdles would be overcome.

 

The highlight of the day was a series of musical performances by the students, which thrilled parents, guests, and the Bishop himself. The event closed with prayers by Rev. Fr. Adewuyi and a final blessing from Bishop Badejo, leaving the audience with joy and renewed commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians.