The Chaplain, Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria, Ekiti Diocese, Rev. Fr. Anthony Idowu Bankole, was on Sunday, July 7, 2024, conferred with the honorary title of “OMOLUABI” by the President of the Laity Council in Ekiti Diocese, Prof. Francis Olu Ibimiluyi.

The conferment, which took place at the 50th Birthday Anniversary of Fr. Anthony Bankole, held at St. John Catholic Church, Orin-Ekiti, was attended by Priests, Religious, Royal Fathers, Lay Faithful and other well-wishers from various Religious Institutions across the globe.

Addressing the congregation at the Thanksgiving Mass, the Assistant Chaplain of the Laity Council in Ekiti Diocese, Rev. Fr. Patrick Ayemowa, thanked God for the life of the celebrant. He appreciated Fr. Bankole for his positive contributions to the works of Evangelization in the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti.

Describing the celebrant as a Man of God, who has changed the lives of many through his lifestyle, homilies, prayers and generosity, the homilist encouraged his family members and members of the congregation not to take him for granted.

“In order not to lose the graces and blessings of God through the Priests, you should avoid over-familiarity with the Priests, the Holy Eucharist and the things of God” the homilist added. He prayed God to continually bless the celebrant, and grant him the gifts of long life and the grace of faithful perseverance in the Lord's Vineyard.

In his address titled: “A Golden celebration of selfless dedication and inspiring leadership”, the President of the Catholic Laity Council in Ekiti Diocese, Prof. Francis Olu Ibimiluyi, congratulated the Celebrant on behalf of the entire Catholic Lay Faithful in the Diocese.

Prof. Ibimiluyi commended the Celebrant and lauded his unwavering dedication, exemplary leadership, exceptional care and concern for the well-being of the Parishioners, and genuine interest in their spiritual growth and personal development.

“As an efficient Chaplain of the Ekiti Diocesan Laity Council, you have played a pivotal role in fostering unity and promoting the spiritual growth of the laity.

Your exemplary leadership has empowered individuals to actively participate in the life of the Church, making a positive impact on the wider community. You are indeed an OMOLUABI” The Laity President added.

In attendance were Rev. Frs: Raphael Osegboun, Kelvin Fakehinde, Fidelis Adeleye, Lawrence Jegede, Edward Oladele, Pius Adesugba, Emmanuel Alao, James Ogunmoroti, Martins Awoyinka, Thomas Adebisi, Patrick Aina, Patrick Jemiseye, Festus Ogundana, other Priests and members of various Religious Congregations within and outside Ekiti Diocese, Royal Fathers, Ekiti Diocesan Laity Council Executive, Family members, Parishioners and well-wishers.

Expressing his gratitude, the Celebrant thanked God for the gift of life. He appreciated all those who have helped and contributed positively in his life. He prayed to God to continually bless them and grant everyone journey mercies to their homes after the celebrations.

A Golden reception was organized by the Family and Friends of the Celebrant shortly after the Thanksgiving Mass.

Recall, that the Celebrant, Rev. Fr. Anthony Idowu Bankole, an indigene of Otun-Ekiti, was born on 7th July 1974. He was ordained a Priest on 19th July 2003 by His Lordship, Most Rev. Michael Olatunji Fagun, the Bishop Emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti.

In his 21st Year as a Priest, Fr. Bankole has built numerous, beautiful and giant edifices in every place he worked as a Pastor and School Principal. 

As the Pioneer Parish Priest of St. Anthony Catholic Church, Ire-Ekiti, Fr. Bankole built the School Hall at Christ the King Catholic College, Ire-Ekiti as the Principal of the School.

The celebrant also renovated the Priests rectory when he was made the Parish Priest of St. John Catholic Church, Ilupeju-Ekiti and built a Church at Itapa-Ekiti under the Parish after which he left for the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA) to study Pastoral Theology.

On arrival from his studies, he was made the Parish Priest of St. Stephen Catholic Church, Otun-Ekiti where he built a Church, Girls' Hostel and Classrooms at Lumen Christi Catholic Secondary School, Otun-Ekiti, He also built Classrooms at St. Stephen Catholic Primary School Otun-Ekiti.

As the Parish Priest of St. John Catholic Church, Orin-Ekiti, Fr. Bankole built two big and beautiful edifices namely St. Catholic Church Orin-Ekiti and Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Orin-Ekiti, the Erection of a Marian Grotto among others.