Martina BALOGUN & Michael FAWOLE

 

Sunday, 28th September, 2025 was a memorable day that will forever lingers in the heart of Parishioners of St. Eunan's Catholic Church, Odo-Oba as the Quasi Parish had a three in one celebration which included the 70th founding Anniversary, Parish feast day and fundraising for the building of the Parish Rectory.

The pivotal emotionally significant event turned out to be a reunion as it afforded all an avenue whereby pioneer members, erstwhile Parishioners, sons and daughters of the soil reunited back with their ancestral home Church where the nurturing of the Catholic faith started. It was indeed a cherished moment of joy and reconnection. Prior to this day, a vigil programme and nine days novena prayer were held for the parish and the success of the celebration.

 

The grand finale celebration started with the Holy Mass which had the son of the soil, Very. Rev. Fr. Samson Babalola as the Chief Celebrant and was concelebrated by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Felix Adedigba. Taking reference from the gospel passage of the day, Very Rev. Fr. Samson Babalola in his homily admonished Parishioners to always be charitable and ever willing to offer a helping hand to the needy or poor in the society. He added that any of them could be the Rich man who refused to help Lazarus as indicated in the gospel passage. He noted that the blessings and wealth God has put in our disposal are not meant alone for ourselves but to help and give succor to the needy and underprivileged members of our community in the neighbourhood.  He further noted, that the more we give, the more we receive largely in return from God. He charged the Parishioners to make a great commitment by donating generously towards the fundraising for the Parish Rectory building trusting God to help all to fulfill their commitments.

 

There were special thanksgiving procession by invited guests, parish groups and families. Thereafter, the fundraising ceremony began and it was kick started on a huge note with a substantial donation by the Chairman/Chief Launcher, Mr. John Alamu, a son of the soil whose childhood Church background is traceable or connected to the parish. He was ably represented by his Parents, Mr. & Mrs. Pius Alamu who were former Parishioners. Aside their son's donation, they also made an additional valuable contribution. The Chairman's donation was accompanied by significant contributions from all other invited guests, erstwhile Parishioners and all the families in the Church.

 

The final phase of the celebration which was the reception was held at the Church hall. The opening prayer was led by Msgr. Peter Otubusin. The Goodwill message was given by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Felix Adedigba and the welcome address which included the presentation of history and achievements of the Parish was presented by Mr. Lawrence Alamu, the PLC President. Also, there were other activities which included cutting of the anniversary cake, presentations by the youths and entertainment.

The vote of thanks and closing remarks was given by Engr. Joachim Nkwor, the PPC Chairman and the closing prayer was led by Cat. Cecilia Adeniji with the priestly blessing given by Very. Rev. Fr. Samson Babalola.