Pascal OHIKA

 

The Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON), Mokola Deanery, on Sunday, October 19, 2025, held the inauguration of its first-ever set of executives at St. Richard Catholic Church, Jericho, Ibadan. The event marked a significant milestone in the spiritual and organizational growth of Catholic youths within the deanery.

 

The inauguration took place during the 9:30 a.m. Mass, officiated by the Parish Priest of St. Richard, Rev. Fr. Felix-Kingsley Obialo, who encouraged the youths to embrace responsibility and live out their faith as true ambassadors of Christ in their daily lives. In his message, Fr. Kingsley charged the youths to “take charge of the responsibilities of today in order to be good leaders of tomorrow.” He further admonished them to be proud of their identities as Catholics and to remain active and impactful in their respective parishes.

 

The newly inaugurated executives of the CYON Mokola Deanery are: President: Okeke Victor-Moses; Vice President: Edwin Esther; Secretary: Oshinamen Rita; Assistant Secretary: Odoemene Cynthia; Financial Secretary: Ibeh James-Francis; Public Relations Officer: Ohika Pascal; and Director of Social: Joseph Andrew

 

The inauguration was attended by parish Presidents, Secretaries, and members from St. Gabriel, Mokola; St. Rita, Arometa; St. Christopher, Sango; St. Richard, Jericho; St. Monica, Ologuneru; Mater Dei, Gbopa; and St. Agnes, Apete. Also in attendance was the Provincial Secretary, Miss Uzor Assumpta Adanna, who graced the event and extended her goodwill to the newly installed leaders.

 

Following the Mass, the first official Deanery meeting was held at the same venue, where the newly inaugurated executives met with parish representatives to discuss the structural and administrative direction of the deanery.

 

During his address, the Deanery President, Mr. Okeke Victor-Moses, expressed profound gratitude to all delegates and parish representatives for their presence and support. He commended the high level of participation and enthusiasm among the youths, emphasizing the need for collaboration and unity to move the deanery forward.

 

Mr. Okeke also informed the council of the vacancy in the position of Deanery Provost, explaining that the initially elected officer could not serve actively. A bye-election was consequently conducted, and Mr. Kelechi Aleta, from St. Christopher Parish, Sango, was duly elected and confirmed as the new Deanery Provost.

 

In his closing remarks, the Deanery President reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with parish leaders and the youth community to ensure a vibrant, united, and spiritually-driven deanery. He emphasized that the newly inaugurated team is determined to set a strong foundation for leadership, service, and faith-driven initiatives that will shape the future of CYON Mokola Deanery.