John Kayode AYODELE

 

Ekiti Diocese took the center stage of the Nigeria Conference of Women Religious, emerging as the overall champions at the just concluded 2026 Provincial Day Celebration.

 

The high-profile event, which brought together Catholic religious sisters from various dioceses, was held from Thursday, June 4 to Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the Pope John Paul II Pastoral Centre in Ado-Ekiti.

Demonstrating exceptional athletic prowess and spirit, the host diocese clinched the top spot on the final medals table, securing four gold and two bronze medals to lead the entire Province.

Earlier before the Sporting event was a solemn Holy Mass celebrated by the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Felix Femi Ajakaye. The Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by the Ekiti Diocesan Religious Vicar, Rev. Fr. Francis Ofoegbu, CMF; Rev. Fr Sunday Ogom CMF; alongside Rev. Frs: Michael Agbemuko and Isaac Kolawole.

 

In his homily, Bishop Ajakaye admonished the congregation to cultivate a deep culture of forgiveness and to sustain continuous prayers for the nation. He urged the religious women to avoid transferred aggression and to live exemplary lives that compel unbelievers to question their disbelief in God.

 

Bishop Ajakaye also challenged the delegates to identify closely with the people around them and to foster collaboration rather than viewing others as competitors or running mates.

 

On the Third Day of the program, the atmosphere shifted to intense but friendly sporting competitions where the different dioceses vied for honours.

 

In the ceremonial opening match-past competition, Ekiti Diocese sets the tone for their eventual victory by winning the first position, leaving Ibadan and Osogbo to claim the first and second runner-up spots respectively.

 

The games featured diverse and entertaining events; in the "fill-in-the-basket" game, Ibadan won the trophy, while Ondo and Ekiti emerged as first and second runners-up.

 

The "fill-in-the-bottle" contest saw Osogbo and Ilorin dioceses sharing the first position, while Ekiti and Ibadan settled for third.

 

Ibadan Archdiocese also proved dominant in the egg race to take home the trophy, outlasting Osogbo and Oyo, who finished as first and second runners-up.

 

The track and field events provided a major boost for the host team. In the sack race, Ekiti and Ondo tied for first place, while Osogbo and Ilorin shared the third spot.

 

Ekiti diocese showcased impressive speed by winning the trophy in both the 100-meters race and the relay race.

 

In the 100-meters sprint, Ondo and Osogbo trailed behind to finish in second position, while the relay race saw Osogbo and Oyo finishing as first and second runners-up respectively. Meanwhile, on the football pitch, Ibadan put up a dominant performance to defeat Osogbo with a decisive two goals to nil.

 

At the final tally of the tournament, Oyo and Ilorin tied in fifth position, while Ondo secured the fourth position. Osogbo finished third overall with one gold, four silver, and two bronze medals.

 

Ibadan put up a fierce fight to finish in second position overall, executing their campaign with three gold, one silver, and one bronze medal.

 

Ultimately, Ekiti’s commanding performance across multiple events sealed their status as the undisputed overall winners of the 2026 Provincial Games.

 

The celebration was not only a sporting success but also a gathering of influential Church leaders and lay faithful. Among the dignitaries that graced the occasion were the Ibadan Provincial and Ekiti Diocesan Laity President, Prof. Francis Olu Ibimiluyi; the Ekiti Diocesan Catholic Women Organisation President, Lady Helen Iyabo Omodara; and the representative of the Ekiti Diocesan Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria, Mr. Omotola Gboyega.

 

The Four-day event successfully blended spiritual renewal, physical fitness, and communal bonding among the religious women of the Province.