Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

The President of the Archdiocese of Ibadan Catholic Men Organization (AICMO), Sir Felix Adoroh has advised Leaders in government to have empathy and do what they think is right for the citizens. Sir Adoroh gave this advice during questions and answers section at a Press Conference organized by AICMO as part of its three days programmes leading to the 2025 Fathers’ Day celebration on Sunday 4th May, 2025.

The Press Conference by AICMO, which was the first of its kind was held at St. Ignatius Catholic Church Hall, Loyola, on Friday 2nd May, 2025. Other activities for the Fathers’ Day celebration included CMO Retreat on Saturday, 3rd May, 2025 and Thanksgiving Mass on Sunday 4th May, 2025.

Sir Adoroh, who gave the history of Fathers’ Day celebration, which eventually started formally in the Archdiocese in 2013 said the celebration is to recognize the roles fathers play in the families as protectors, in the Church as the pillars and in the society as the builders and also affords the men the opportunity to unwind, learn more about themselves and also boost their spiritual life.

The celebration comes with a three-day Novena, workshop on Men’s related issues like social, health and spiritual talks and is usually climaxed with a special thanksgiving Mass on every first Sunday of May.

The theme for the Maiden Edition of Archdiocese of Ibadan Men’s Retreat is “Pilgrim of Hope: Fathers as beacon of the Church and family”, to be facilitated by Rev. Fr. Eric Akinboboye. Hence, AICMO leadership called on CMO at the various parishes to participate actively in the retreat and to organize a thanksgiving Mass and celebrate one another at their local Churches on Sunday 4th May, 2025.

The President in his speech extended AICMO’s gratitude to the Archbishop, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin; AICMO Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ajewole; past Chaplain, his predecessors and their teams; AICWO; the Executives and  Members of AICMO for their support.

Sir Adoroh also charged all eligible men to join the moving train of AICMO. “For emphasis, any sacramentally married man in the Church, irrespective of the age, automatically becomes a member of the CMO while any man who has attained the age of 35 as a single person is also qualified as a member.” He frowned at the refusal of some men in the Church to identify with the body.

The event, which was coordinated by CAMPAN President, Mr Cosmos Oni had in attendance the Parish Priest of St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Very Rev. Msgr Joseph Idowu, AICMO Executives and members of the Press.

Sir Adoroh used the occasion to charge the parents, especially the fathers to stop blaming the government for the country’s woes but to do the right things in their various homes, since those leading also come from families. “We cannot get a just society if we the parents do not do the right thing.” The President concluded by condoling the Church on the demise of Pope Francis and prayed that his soul rest in peace and for proper guidance of the College of Cardinals in electing the next Pope.

Other speaker like AICMO Secretary, Mr Anthony Agbons also charged the government to focus more on the youth in the area of job creation and empowerment as part of AICMO advice to the government for a better society.

Very Rev. Msgr. Joseph Idowu also urged fathers to be good examples to their families, neighbours and the society and be spiritually involved too, in the activities of the Church, adding that to be in charge is to really be there to guide and show good example.

The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr Pius Nsabe gave a vote of thanks, while the closing prayer and final blessing was given by Very Rev. Msgr. Joseph Idowu.