Vincent OBANIYI

 

In the spirit of the ongoing Synod on Synodality, the faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo came together for the second time in the year 2025 for the Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) Meeting, on 11th November, 2025. The meeting which was held in the "Hope Jubilee Hall" of the new Diocesan Secretariat, attracted all the Segments, Organs, Organizations and Committees in the Church, namely, the Priests, Women Religious, Children, Youths, Women and Men from every Parish and Church in the Diocese. 

The gathering of the faithful from the nooks and crannies of the Diocese to assess the level of pastoral progress, brought to light again the map of the Pastoral Plan of the Diocese, namely; "Co-responsibility for Evangelization and  Salvation". The meeting had in attendance the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, the Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Boniface Wuraola, Msgr. Anthony Olawumi, Deans of the five Deaneries, Heads of Institutions and Commissions, representatives of Lay Organizations and Parishes, Priests, and Religious.

 

At the end of the meeting, the Pastoral Council Chairman, Mr. Olasupo Michael, expressed appreciation for the newly constructed Diocesan Secretariat, describing it as a magnificent edifice that has now reached about 95 percent completion. He noted that the first council meeting held in the building was a pleasant experience for the Bishop, the Vicar General, Priests, and other members of the Council, who all sat comfortably despite a few remaining fittings yet to be installed, enjoying the natural ventilation throughout the structure. He thanked God for the progress made and expressed confidence that the Secretariat will serve the Diocese for generations to come, extending gratitude to the Bishop and all collaborators who made the project possible.

Similarly, Mr. Michael Ajekigbe described the new Secretariat as “a marvel to behold,” highlighting the remarkable level of development achieved within seven to eight months. He affirmed that the structure stands as a symbol of growth, unity, excellence, and the grace of God at work in the Diocese of Oyo, and noted that the achievement is indeed worthy of commendation.