The maiden edition of 2025 V. Rev. Fr. John O’Hea ‘Pass on the Faith Parish Quiz Competition’ that started on 1st February 2025 was concluded on 8th March 2025 at a final competition held at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Basorun, Ibadan with four parishes, namely: CKC, Odo – Ona; St. Augustine, Ojoo; St. Ignatius of Loyola and St. Anne, Ogbere.

There had been primaries, quarter and semi-final among the 32 parishes divided into four groups before the above four Parishes emerged the finalists.

The Sponsor of the Quiz Competition is Sir Felix Fapohunda, KSJI; while the Organizer is the Directorate of Religious Education (DRE) Archdiocese of Ibadan.

In his opening remarks at the final, the Director of DRE, Rev. Fr. Clement Emerue commended the participating parishes. According to him, some of the parishes were doing well; like CKC, Odo-Ona; some needed to be commended, while some needed to be paid more attention to. The Director was also grateful to Sir Felix Fapohunda, KSJI for sponsoring the annual competition and for the four parishes that reached the final stage, the pupils’ picture will occupy the front page of the Children’s Bulletin for the next one year.

In addition, Fr. Emerue commended St. Anne, Ogbere’s representatives, who were just two facing three contestants each from other parishes, since the beginning and were still doing well. The competition was based on Liturgical Year B.

The Director, as usual read out the rules and regulations guiding the quiz competition. He also agreed with the contesting finalists that bonus marks be awarded at the final, unlike in the previous stages where bonus marks were not given. The competition was in two phases: Ten questions each to be answered by each parish and a written puzzle thereafter.

At the end of the quiz competition, CKC, Odo Ona came first with 98 marks, while both St. Augustine, Ojoo and St. Ignatius of Loyola came second with 80 marks each and St. Anne, Ogbere came fourth with 74 marks. To decide the winner between the parishes that scored 80 marks each, a representative each was called for and the task was to recite the Creed. This led to St. Augustine, Ojoo emerging the second, while St. Ignatius of Loyola settled for third position.

Those that witnessed the event were the Archbishop’s Secretary, Rev. Fr. Anthony Fasakin; the Parish Priest of St. Anne, Ogbere, Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun; Sunday School Teachers,; Parents as well Catechists in the Archdiocese of Ibadan in their numbers.

The Sponsor, Sir Felix Fapohunda, KSJI was unavoidably absent but was represented by his wife, Lady Fapohunda, KSJI; who also joined Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun in presenting plagues and cash prizes of One Hundred Thousand, Seventy-Five Thousand, Fifty Thousand and Thirty Thousand Naira to 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th position winners, respectively.

Fr. Clement Emerue appreciated the Pupils, Teachers, the Catechists and others present, urging that Sunday School Teachers should let the pupils study very well all that are contained in the Children’ Bulletin and Pass on the Faith Book for better performance in future competitions.

The Parish Priest of St. Anne, Ogbere, Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun also appreciated all and noted that “our children today cross to other Churches, hence, the need to promote a program like this annually.” He urged the Catechists to make more efforts and also announced an additional cash prize of Ten Thousand Naira each to the four finalists.

For CKC, Odo – Ona, winning the quiz Competition final was like a birthday gift to one of the parish’s contestants, Mercy, who celebrated her 7th birthday same day. Fr. Clement Emerue directed that all rose up to sing for her a birthday song.

After the distribution of refreshments, Fr. Balogun also gave the closing prayer and final blessing before the snapping of group photographs and departure to various parishes.