St. Mary Catholic School, Oke-Padi has emerged the overall champion in the just concluded “John O’Hea Pass on the Faith quiz competition for Catholic Primary Schools in the Archdiocese of Ibadan”. The final was held on Wednesday, 11th December, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic School, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The final result of the quiz competition as announced by the Coordinator of “Pass on the Faith quiz competition,” Rev. Fr. Clement Emerue showed St. Mary’s Oke-Padi coming first with a total of 98marks, with Bishop Finn coming second with 90marks and Sacred heart, Ring Road third with 68marks.

The fourth, fifth and sixth positions went to Loiusville, Mokola, Holy Infant, Yemetu and Sacred Heart, Onireke who scored 57marks, 35marks and 32marks respectively.

JohnPaul, Ologuneru was led to the venue of the competition by Rev. Sr. Judith Anyawu, to have a feel of the quiz competition. Also in attendance were the Sponsor of the Quiz Competition, Sir Felix Fapohunda; the Donor of the trophies, Mr Damien Oluwasina Ogunwale; Rev. Sr. Vivian Ajuonuma; Rev. Sr. Theresa; DRE Secretary and Admin Assistant: Mrs Catherine Adekunle and Ms Ugochukwu Theclar Anne respectively, to mention but a few.

While welcoming all to the final competition, the Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Clement Emerue appreciated the Founder of “Pass on the faith Quiz Competition” Very Rev. Fr. John O’Hea, SMA; the Sponsor, Sir Felix Fapohunda, the Donor of the Trophies to be won, Mr Damien Oluwasina Ogunwale; representative of the Catholic Weekly Independent, Mr Jacob Babalola and as well read the message of the Archbishop, in which His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin appreciated all those involved in the organisation of John O’Hea Pass on the Faith Quiz Competition for all Catholic Primary Schools in the Archdiocese.

His Grace stated that he found it ridiculous sometimes when he heard the Heads of Schools saying the students are not buying textbooks, the parents are not cooperating and he wonders whether the parents are aware that their children are in Catholic Schools. “Let the parents realize this is Mission School and our intention is to pass on the faith. We should not be shy to pass or teach the faith.” His Grace revealed.

Fr. Emerue also disclosed that those representing a particular school are Muslims and scored the highest mark so far. He added that the event is not just a contest but it is to share, to sow and to give the living faith of the Church, which is the dream of the Founder, Fr. John O’Hea; who also sent his greeting as he too, is following the event, though not physically present.

The Coordinator promised that next year’s edition, which will be based on Liturgical Year C will be taking place about the same time, taking into consideration the examination period and therefore appealed to both the Sponsor and Donor to assist in getting the textbooks on Pass on the faith for all schools.

Fr. Emerue added that another competition on “Moral Instructions for all Secondary Schools in the Archdiocese” is going to come up next year.

Rev. Sr. Vivian Ajuonuma thanked DRE team, the pupils, the teachers, the Sponsor and the Donor. “I am so satisfied with what I saw here today. The primary assignment of the Catholic Schools is to pass on the faith. Whether you’re given the biggest trophy or the smallest trophy, I doff my cap for you; you’re champion.” She said.

The Sponsor, Sir Felix Fapohunda, was also inspired by the competition, which he said shows that there is future for the Church. He thanked the DRE, all teachers, pupils and sought for more publicity for the programme.

On his part, the Donor of the Trophies, Mr Damien Oluwasina Ogunwale, who narrated how he became Catholic and his interest in passing on the faith said without religious education, others are zero. Prompted too, by what he saw during the final competition, he instantly sought for the DRE permission to add cash prizes of N40,000, N30,000 and N20,000 to the first, second and third positions respectively, while the other finalists got N10,000 each.

The DRE Secretary, Mrs Catherine Adekunla gave a vote of thanks at the event, while Catechist Abbah gave the closing prayer and Fr. Emerue gave the final blessing.

There was refreshment and snapping of group photographs before departure.