The premises of St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Orita-Challenge, Ibadan was like a tourism centre on Saturday 13th July 2024. In fact, two young girls: Ike Karen Chizaram and Aderoju Oluwadarasimi will never forget in a hurry, the 2024 Lay Apostolate Harvest Thanksgiving held at St. Leo’s parish as both exhibited their intelligence and were handsomely rewarded in cash at the reception that followed the Harvest Thanksgiving mass.

The Masters of Ceremony (MCs, Mr Ajibola Julius and Mr Ezem Happy-Innocent in their jovial manner at the reception had thrown a question: “Who loves Nigeria?” there was silence, probably because of hardship being experienced in the country, there is need to think twice before saying yes.

The MC went further to ask; “Who can sing the New-old-National Anthem?” The MC themselves confessed not knowing the Anthem. The only hand that was up was that of Ike Karen Chizaram. She was called out and she did justice to the New-old-National Anthem by singing it from the beginning to the end without missing a word. She was handsomely rewarded for that in cash from both the High table and the other side.

When the MC requested for someone that could sing Oyo- State Anthem, Aderoju Oluwadarasimi came out to do justice to it too, and was also rewarded in cash by all.

A group of young children known as ‘Catholickidsibadan’ also entertained at the reception with Ibo cultural dance.

A representative of Justice Development and Peace Commission, Ibadan Archdiocese, Mr Francis was also on ground to address the youths on unemployment by highlighting various vocations under the ‘St. Homobonus Skill Acquisition Centre’ under JDPC that the youths can venture in, rather than waiting on government.

Apart from the refreshment provided by the Harvest Planning Committee, there were other stands where food items of different types, drinks, palm-wine and faith articles were displayed for interested member of the public and visitors alike.

Everything was in excess at the event. Thanks to the 2024 Lay Apostolate Harvest Planning Committee and the entire Archdiocese of Ibadan.