The Oyo Diocesan Leadership Workshop took place on January 24 and 25, 2025, at St. Paul Pastoral Centre, Awe. The event brought together youths from across the Diocese of Oyo to deepen their understanding of leadership and their role in the Synodal Church.

Day 1 Friday, January 24, 2025 was the arrival and opening ceremony.

This began with the strolling Rosary procession. Rev. Fr. Stephen Oguntoye, the Diocesan Youth Chaplain, and Mr. Gabriel Ogundijo, the Diocesan President delivered the welcome address. They expressed gratitude and offered prayers for a fruitful workshop.

Mr. Anthony Adetoro delivered the first talk titled: “Blood Group, Genotype, Rhesus Factors, and Compatibility.” He explained the critical roles of blood in the body, emphasizing its infection-fighting properties and waste purification functions. Participants learned about blood group classifications, genotypes, and their genetic implications.

Rev. Fr. Anthony Olarewaju spoke on “Leadership as an Act of Sacrifice: Youth Involvement in the Synodal Church.” He stressed the importance of shared responsibility, active listening, and unity in leadership, reminding participants that leadership is a process that requires sacrifice and a mission-focused approach.

The second day, Saturday, January 25, 2025 commenced with Eucharistic exposition, the rosary, and Holy Mass celebrated by His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, alongside six priests. In his homily, themed “St. Paul’s Feast Day,” Bishop Badejo highlighted the qualities of effective leaders, including generosity, hope, and a Christ-like attitude.

After the Mass, Rev. Fr. Boniface Kayode Wuraola explored “Catholic Spirituality: Its Efficacy to Growth, Sacrament of Reconciliation, and Holy Eucharist.” He emphasized the importance of faith, sacraments, and spirituality as sources of grace for personal growth and service in the Church.

Rev. Fr. Benjamin Jolasun presented talk on “Elements of Jubilee Celebration: Leadership of Hope.” He discussed the significance of the Jubilee Year 2025, themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” and encouraged participants to draw inspiration from hope-filled Biblical texts.

Mr. Dominic Taiwo from the Human Rights department of the Justice Development and Peace Movement presented a paper on “Incorporating Youth into Key Church Roles.” He proposed actionable strategies such as creating youth-friendly environments, developing skills programs, and preparing youth for leadership through ICT and innovative projects.

Mr. Oyalakin Festus one of the youth of the Diocese concluded with a talk on “Media: Right Use.” He highlighted the power of media as a tool for evangelization and education, emphasizing ethical usage, content creation aligned with faith, and responsible engagement with the community.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks by the Diocesan Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Stephen Oguntoye, who commended the participants’ attentiveness. And the closing prayer was said by Fr. Sylvester Ekuma.