Nnamani Francisca ADAEZE

On SIWES, Catholic Diocese of Oyo

Rev. Sr. Stella Maris Okonkwo, PLD, founder of Pro Labore Dei, marked her 70th birthday on August 22, 2026, surrounded by friends, well-wishers, members of the Catholic community, and beneficiaries of her longstanding apostolate to the poor and vulnerable.

Founded in 1990 under her leadership, Pro Labore Dei has remained committed to reaching out to the poor, widows, and other vulnerable members of society. Over the years, Sr. Stella Maris has dedicated herself to the service of humanity, particularly through her consistent support for widows and people in need.

The Catholic Diocese of Oyo was represented at the celebration by a delegation acting on behalf of Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, who was unavoidably absent due to other engagements. The delegation comprised the Diocesan Pastoral Secretary, Rev. Fr. Anthony Olanrewaju; Rev. Sr. Mary-Assumpta Taiwo, SSMA, Directress of Religious Education, Oyo Diocese; Rev. Sr. Elizabeth Agu, USOA, Diocesan Youth Coordinator; and two youths, Augustine Akinsowon and Miss Francisca Nnamani.

The delegation conveyed the Bishop’s warm goodwill and appreciation to Rev. Sr. Stella Maris for her longstanding apostolate and dedication to the service of the poor and vulnerable. Particular recognition was given to her unwavering commitment to supporting widows and others who require assistance within the society.

Parishioners of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Fiditi, also turned out in large numbers to celebrate with the religious sister and honour her remarkable milestone.

In celebrating her 70 years of life, the Catholic Diocese of Oyo congratulated Rev. Sr. Stella Maris and expressed gratitude to God for the gift of her life and the many years she has devoted to serving God and humanity. The Diocese prayed that God would continue to bless, strengthen, and sustain her, grant her many more fruitful years in sound health of mind and body, joy, and continuous service to the poor and vulnerable. A diocesan gift was also presented to her as a token of appreciation and goodwill.

In her response, Rev. Sr. Stella Maris acknowledged and appreciated the support she has received from Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo in her apostolate to the needy. She equally expressed gratitude to the Most Rev. Felix Alaba Job, Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan and Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, Archbishop of Ibadan for their unwavering support, encouragement, and goodwill over the years.

She prayed that God would continue to uphold the three Bishops and grant them the grace, wisdom, and strength to continue shepherding the people of God entrusted to their care.

The celebration therefore served not only as a thanksgiving for seven decades of life but also as a recognition of a life dedicated to compassion, service, and the uplifting of the less privileged. As Rev. Sr. Stella Maris Okonkwo, PLD, enters another decade of her earthly journey, the Catholic Diocese of Oyo joins her family, friends, religious community, and beneficiaries of her apostolate in thanking God for her life and praying for many more years of fruitful service.