Fidelis ENWEMEKA

 

The Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON) of St. Peter Catholic Church, Ota, in the Abeokuta Diocese, joined other young Catholics across the diocese to celebrate the 2026 CYON Youth Week from August 2 to 9.

The week-long celebration provided an opportunity for the young people of the parish to deepen their faith, strengthen fellowship and demonstrate their talents through various spiritual, social and charitable activities.

A major highlight of the celebration was a cooking competition organized as part of the grand finale. The competition, according to the CYON President, Miss Winifred Achiri, was aimed at “motivating the chefs amongst us” and encouraging young people to develop and showcase their culinary talents. Six contestants—Joy, Suzan, Veronica, Victor, Ajibade and Kenneth—participated in the competition, with Miss Joy emerging as the winner.

The youths also tested their knowledge of Sacred Scripture in a Bible quiz, with Sunday Gift Ehi taking first position. Ihongbe Michael came second, while Paul Julius emerged third. The celebration further featured a talent and personality contest tagged “Face of St. Peter,” in which Christiana Sunday and Anthony Wisdom emerged as winners.

In addition to the recreational and talent-based activities, the CYON members demonstrated their commitment to community development through Trade Fair 2.0, which provided members with an opportunity to display and market their goods and services.

The youths also carried out outreach and in-reach programmes during the week, visiting a motherless home, widows and fellow youth members who had lost their parents. The visits offered an opportunity for the CYON members to share their time, care and solidarity with people experiencing various challenges. The activities reflected the Catholic understanding of youth ministry as an avenue for young people to grow in faith while putting Christian values of love, compassion and service into practice.

Speaking at the close of the celebration, the CYON President expressed appreciation to the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Ajibola Ashade, for his continued support, guidance and prayers for the youths. She prayed for greater wisdom, love and understanding among the young people and thanked the parishioners, organizers, participants and other individuals whose contributions helped to make the 2026 Youth Week celebration a success.

The celebration ended with renewed commitment among the young people to remain active in the life and mission of the Church and to use their gifts and talents in the service of God and humanity.

 

 _Picture: Youths gathered around the Very Reverend Fr. Clement Ajibola Ashade, who is positioned in the center wearing glasses._