The Catholic Youth Animators has finally been commissioned after undergoing a six months training at the Osogbo Diocesan School of Youth Animators in partnership with Don Bosco Institute, Ibadan.

The commissioning event took place Saturday 14 December 2024 during Osogbo Diocesan harvest at the Pastoral Centre, Ede, Osun State. The harvest attracted representative from the office of the Governor, His Excellency, Ademola Jackson Adeleke. His wife Arelu Ngozi Abeni Adeleke was physically present at the occasion including the former deputy governor, his excellency Benedict Alabi and hosts of others.

The bishop, Most Rev. John Akinkunmi Oyejola requested that the animators swing immediately into action having commended them for their effort and dedication since past six month. He however requested them to directly put a call to him should there be an action causing hinderance to their performance at their respective parishes. The Bishop is eager to see action and improvement in the lives of the young ones.

The Diocesan Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Olaniyan urged animators to practice all that has been learnt. He assured them of success if effectively utilized. He encouraged them to work with their priests respectively and to always result to a dialogue means of overcoming challenges that may present itself as obstacle during the cause of duty. 

The Diocesan Youth Coordinator, Rev. Sr. Chibuzor Onyeananam (DHS) profoundly appreciated everyone for sacrificing their time to the programme. She further encouraged animators to work with the youths. Where it is possible that some others have been appointed to work with the youth of their respective parishes, she encouraged them to find a way of working together toward achieving same goal without any need for confrontation and contestation.

The animators were however presented with certificate of graduation by the Don Bosco Institute, Ibadan, Oyo State having received training on: Fundamentals & Model of Effective Youth Ministry, Child Protection & Safeguarding, Human Psychology, Youth & Morality, Youth Liturgy, Spirituality & Catechesis and Christian Marriage.