The priests of the 2009 graduating set of the Saints Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan, held their Annual General Reunion at the Catholic Church of the Transfiguration, Victoria Garden City, Lekki, Lagos, between the 3rd and 5th of July 2024. 

The 15th-anniversary celebration was a unique and significant event. It was hosted by the members from the Lagos Archdiocese—Frs: Idaewor Kingsley, Okpala Melkizedek, Martinos Theodore, and Chikieze Wisdom.

The reunion was a testament to their unity. It was a wonderful opportunity for members to interact and share pastoral experiences. Twenty-five members were physically present at the reunion, while six members joined the plenary via Zoom.

One of the highlights of the reunion was the change of officers. The election was conducted by Rev. Fr. Charles Omogiate (Returning Officer), the following officers emerged afterwards:

President – Fr Anselm Okafor (Benin Archdiocese).

Vice President – Fr Martinos Theodore (Lagos Archdiocese).

Secretary – Fr Peter Adigboluja (Abeokuta Diocese).

Financial Secretary – Fr Asuquo Augustine (Calabar Archdiocese).

In his acceptance speech, the new president appreciated the past officers for steering the ship of leadership for an uninterrupted 15 years. He, however, pledged on behalf of other officers that he would put his best in the Association's service, while soliciting the cooperation of all. 

In his words of encouragement, Fr. Salami Steven (Lokoja Diocese) admonished members to be aware of the challenge of ageing in the priesthood.

He enumerated four salient points for members to ponder on: The need to smell like your sheep (borrowing the words of Pope Francis), managing challenges with fellow priests, supporting one’s family, and managing challenges from the self.

The reunion was filled with various activities, including solemn Masses, visitations to the parishes of host priests, meetings with parishioners, sightseeing, and a delightful dinner party. These activities added a rich and memorable experience to the event.