Taiwo OLADELE

 

On January 4, 2025, the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON), Oke-Padi Deanery, took a significant step forward by electing its inaugural set of executives. This followed the recent creation of new deaneries within the Archdiocese.

 

The election was held at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Basorun, following a brief meeting convened by the Deanery Coordinator, Lijirin Theresa Omolade.

 

Prior to the voting, the Deanery Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Francis Omolade, addressed the gathering. He was joined by the Parish Priest of St. Patrick Basorun, Rev. Fr. Ekenedilichukwu Ugwoegbu, and Engineer Peter Kolawole (Laity President of St. Patrick Basorun), who encouraged the youths to uphold good conduct in society.

 

A transparent screening and manifesto presentation of candidates was then conducted by the Electoral Committee, comprising:

Mr. Ayomide Kolapo (Divine Mercy Catholic Church, Monatan), Mr. Adekola Anthony (St. Michael Catholic Church, Yemetu), Miss Umuzurike Esther Miracle (CYON Archdiocesan Vice President 2), Mrs. Francesca Oti (CYON Matron, St. Andrew Oke-Bola), Rev. Fr. Francis Omolade (CYON Oke-Padi Deanery Chaplain)

 

Following the electoral process, the following CYON members emerged victorious as the first executives of Oke-Padi Deanery:

 

President: Sixtus Enyoghasu (St Andrew Catholic Church, Oke Bola); Vice President 1: Miss Faith Godwin ( St Anthony Catholic Church, Ejioku); Vice President 2: Mr. Emmanuel Francis (St Mary Cathedral, Oke Padi); General Secretary: Miss Maureen Ezeimo (St Mary Cathedral, Oke Padi); Assistant General Secretary: Miss Hannah Oladele ( Holy Family Catholic Church, Yawiri); Financial Secretary: Miss Joy John ( St Patrick Catholic Church, Basorun); and Welfare Director: Miss Theresa Oladele ( Holy Family Catholic Church, Yawiri). The remaining positions—Director of Socials, Public Relations Officer (P.R.O.), and Provost - will be filled through a bye-election.

 

After the results were announced, the President-elect, Sixtus Enyoghasu, addressed the youths. He expressed deep gratitude for the trust placed in the new leadership and called on all members to unite and collaborate with the executives, assuring them of the team's full commitment and best efforts.

 

The Deanery Chaplain congratulated the newly elected officers and led the closing prayer. The session concluded with everyone joyfully singing the CYON anthem.

 

The inauguration of the new CYON Oke-Padi Deanery Executives took place on January 25, 2025, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Yawiri.

 

For God and for Youth... Through Christ