The much publicized 10th anniversary concert of the Children Choir, St. Leo Catholic Church, Orita-Challenge with the theme: “The Lord is my Shepherd” was held on Sunday 25th August 2024.

The Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin was represented by the Vicar-General, Very Rev. Fr. Gregory Oyelami. Also in attendance were priests, religious and invited choirs from different parishes across the Archdiocese.

The event was declared opened with prayer said by Rev. Sr. Augustina Obong while the Masters of Ceremony, Nneka Michael and Christianah Adeoti invited the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Michael Tobiloba, priests, dignitaries and invited guests to the high table.

The Children Choir Directress, Regina Viashima gave the brief history of the Children Choir established in 2014 as conceived by the parish choir executives led by Mazi Rightman ugochukwu, the Choirmaster Mr Femi Omotoso (Esq) and Mr Oghenejabor Emmanuel with the approval of the then parish priest, Late Very Rev. Fr. Fintan Daly, SMA and the continuous support of the current parish priest, Rev. Fr. Charles Acheneje, SMA.

The Concert witnessed performances by the Children Choir, who sang without scripts (both in pairs and in group), the adult choir, St. Cecilia of the parish and invited choirs from other parishes.

The Vicar-General in his remark said it was wonderful to be at the concert and that the Archbishop would have loved to be present, if not for another engagement outside the state. 

Fr. Oyelami commended the parish priest and the people of God at St. Leo for having such a wonderful concert. “I so admire what they sang and the instruments and can see the future of the Church in Africa.”

He urged that the Church keeps encouraging the children so that at the subsequent celebration, the Church will be filled with more people to come and relax rather than work-work even till 8 O’clock in the evening.

Venerable Adesina as well commended the organizers of the event, observing too that the children choir as seen could easily push aside the adult choir.

The Editor of the Catholic Weekly Independent, Rev. Fr. Peter Ibimiluyi, similarly commended the concert which he described as first of its kind. He appealed to parents to help their children to show interest in the activities of the Church.

He used the occasion to announce the release of an album titled: “Lord, make me yours”, which he used to share his experience in the last five years in priesthood as just celebrated the previous day. Members of the public he added can enjoy the album by just typing “Rev. Fr. Ibimiluyi”.

The parish priest, Fr. Acheneje, SMA appreciated everyone that contributed to the success of the concert, beginning from the sponsors, media partners and the executive members of the parish’s choir.

He equally thanked His Grace for granting the parish permission to hold the concert. He acknowledged the presence of other priests, religious and lay faithful as well as the pioneer members.

For continuation of such beautiful concert, the organizers appealed for donations and support of all through St. Leo’s Musical Concert, Fidelity Bank, account No: 4150051391, while the receipt can be sent to WhatsApp No: 08062586353.

The event was declared closed by prayer and blessing by Rev. Fr. Francis Afolabi after the cutting of the 10th Anniversary’s Concert’s Cake.