The Metropolitan Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin has tasked the lay faithful to support the Chief Shepherds in Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province for the good of the Church. His Grace said this during the meeting of the Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, held from Monday to Tuesday 10th-11th February 2025 at the Jubilee Conference Centre, (JCC), Oke Ado, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The meeting, which was the first in the year 2025 started with the celebration of Holy Mass, presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, with other Bishops (Bishop Emmanuel Badejo of Oyo, Bishop Felix Femi Ajakaye of Ekiti, Bishop John Akin Oyejola of Osogbo, Bishop Anselm Pendo Lawani of Ilorin) and priests from the Province concelebrating. Also in attendance were Lay Faithful Organizations such as Laity, CMO, CWO, CYON, Choir, Knights, to mention but a few.

Archbishop Gabriel in his homily welcomed all the Bishops, priests and commended the large turn-out of lay faithful at the early morning Mass. He reminded all, using the story of creation as read that human beings are all important in God’s creation. He added that whatever man has are not by their might but through God from the beginning to make the world better.

However, with the coming into the world of Satan, God, who is still forgiving sent His only Son not because He wanted anything from us but that we may once again become holy and happy people.

His Grace emphasized that bad deeds cannot stay with God, hence, it is important that man follows the guidelines of the Church. “When we hear the word of God, we should not pocket it but make use of it just like parents will teach their children to obey instructions.”

The Chief Celebrant explained further that Christ came as man through BVM and Joseph, the Carpenter. However, the spirit in God is more than that of a child, for Christ is both Man and God. “He told His parents he was doing His father’s work. God created us in His image to be like Him, holy, peaceful, respectful but because of greediness, we fall.” His Grace stated.  

His grace admonished all to learn through various means available, such as reading Bible, listening to homily, at work, in the city, homes and on the street by behaving well. He then prayed that the Lord will send His spirit upon all so that the meeting of the Bishops will assist them in leading the flock entrusted into their care very well.

There were snapping of pictures with various organizations present before the meeting proper, which started with opening prayer said by the Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Felix Alaba Job.

Various lay faithful organizations gave reports of their activities for the year 2024, stating achievements, challenges and what to expect in the new year, one after the other. This was followed by reactions, comments, suggestions and commendations. The meeting ended with a prayer said by Lady Clara Oke, AICWO President.

There was also a Press Conference, which was addressed by Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin, Bishop John Akin Oyejola and Fr. Anthony Akiwowo, Social Communication Director of Ibadan Archdiocese. His Grace commended the roles of the Media and also appealed that the government do the needful to ensure various challenges in the country become the things of the past, more especially, that the Church is in the Year of Hope at moment.

On the call for additional states in the country, Archbishop Abegunrin stated that not every part needs more states except those that are really large. He added that those clamouring for additional states can be given, provided they possess enough resources to live on.

A communique was issued out at the end of the day, while Archbishop Abegunrin gave the final blessing.