Michael OKEOLA

 

The Chairman of the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Oyo State Chapter, Mr. Augustine Ajetoro of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, Tede, alongside the Catholic Bloc Leader of CAN in Oyo State, Rev. Fr. Samson Ojo, paid a courtesy and familiarization visit to the Bishop.

 

Speaking during the visit, Mr. Augustine Ajetoro expressed gratitude to the Bishop for the opportunity given to him to serve as the Chairman of YOWICAN in Oyo State and appreciated the support and assistance already extended to him in carrying out his administrative responsibilities.

 

He noted that the visit was also an opportunity to officially present himself to the Bishop in his new capacity. He appreciated Rev. Fr. Samson Ojo and his parish priest, Rev. Fr. Samson Babalola, for their support and encouragement throughout the process.

 

Mr. Ajetoro emphasized that leadership within YOWICAN is not ceremonial but a genuine call to service. According to him, the office requires sacrifice, dedication, and commitment towards building stronger youth participation and creating meaningful impact.

 

He further appealed to young Catholics across the Diocese to actively participate in YOWICAN activities, stressing that Oyo Diocese must continue to strengthen its presence and contribution within the state’s structure. He encouraged youths not to shy away from responsibility but to rise and participate actively in leadership, governance, and different spheres of society.

 

Responding to questions, Rev. Fr. Samson Ojo clarified that the Catholic bloc within CAN is represented by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN). He explained that considering the Church’s structure and the presence of two dioceses in Oyo State, the Archbishop ordinarily serves as the Bloc Leader within CAN but delegates representation due to pastoral responsibilities. Fr. Ojo presently occupies that position on behalf of the Archbishop.

 

Speaking on his vision, Fr. Ojo stated that his goal aligns with that of his Bishop to represent the interests of Catholics across Oyo State in all CAN activities without compromising Catholic identity and values. He also stressed the need for Catholics to participate fully and lead others by example.

 

Addressing youth involvement, he explained that YOWICAN’s programs and activities should focus on leadership formation and accompaniment, preparing young people for future responsibilities in society and public life. He encouraged them to embrace servant leadership after the example of Christ.

 

Speaking on challenges facing Christians, Fr. Ojo highlighted issues such as insecurity, killings, and abductions but emphasized that evangelization, sound teaching, unity, dialogue, and prayer must remain central to the Church’s mission.

 

Reflecting on his appointment, Fr. Ojo admitted that his first reaction was recognizing the weight of the responsibility and reminding himself not to disappoint God, the Church, or himself. He expressed gratitude and described himself as deeply humbled by the trust placed in him.

 

In his remarks, the Bishop congratulated both leaders and reminded them that leadership in the Church is first and foremost a call to service and not a privilege attached to office. He referenced the late Bishop Emeritus, who had once served as Chairman of CAN, as an example of faithful and impactful leadership.

 

The Bishop also cited Rev. Fr. Samson Ojo’s previous experience in leadership, noting the positive impact he made during his years of service and encouraged the new YOWICAN Chairman to learn from such examples.

 

He thanked Mr. Ajetoro for making himself available to serve and for representing the youths of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo within CAN. The Bishop assured him of his support and promised to assist him in making the office as comfortable and effective as it should be.

 

He further advised him to remain firm, steadfast, and focused despite prevailing challenges, reminding him that while leadership in organizations like YOWICAN may engage public and societal realities, he must always carry out his responsibilities with a strong Catholic identity.