The 17th Annual General meeting of Ibadan Archdiocesan Laity council was held on Saturday, 7th December, 2024 at Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Felele, Ibadan. The event which started with the Holy Mass had the Laity Chaplain Very Rev. Fr. Paul Asawale as the Chief Celebrant, concelebrated with him were the Parish Priest, Christ the Good Shepherd Felele, Rev Fr. Darlington Agubosim and the Assistant Rev. Fr. Christopher Areoye.

In his homily, Fr. Agubosim gave the summary of the Ten Commandments as: The love of God, the love of oneself and the love of neighbor. According to him, we cannot call ourselves Christians if we don’t have the love of God and extend it to others.

Speaking on these two key elements “Salt of the Earth and the Light of the World”, he stated the importance of salt as an ingredient that adds taste to our foods also as a material for preservation. Adding that if salt loses its taste, it is useless. He posed some mind-searching questions: As Laity Councilors, have you been a salt that fills others with joy? Have you been a light that allows others to see Jesus through you? He then encouraged the Lay Faithful to emulate the life of St. Ambrose, the Saint of the day, who was a light and salt to others.

In conclusion, Fr. Agubosim urged the Laity Councilors to strive towards becoming better leaders in year 2025, stating that to whom much is given, much is expected. He prayed that God will restore peace, joy and happiness to our families, parishes and Archdiocese.

After the Mass, the Councilors proceeded to the venue of the meeting. The meeting was presided by the president Mr. Felix Oladokun who welcomed all the Parishes and Lay Organizations to the meeting. The president in his welcome address thanked the Almighty God who made it possible for them to gather this year for another AGM despite all odds.

Speaking further, the President said that the essence of the gathering was to evaluate the previous activities to see where we have done well and where we need to make improvement.

The meeting witnessed the report of past events within the last one year: 2024 Laity week, 2024 Lay Apostolate Harvest, 2024 Laity Seminar/Workshop. There were reports from Parishes, which were contained in the AGM Brochure and 2025 Blueprint.

The Laity Chaplain, Very Rev. Fr. Paul Asawale in his address, thanked all the Councilors who found time to attend the AGM. Speaking on the Deanery Elections, the Chaplain appealed to the Councilors not to be in a hurry, but to be patient and know who they are to work with. He then made it known that the elections shall be done in January 2025. He also urged the Councilors to study their Parish Priests and relate with them well.

Speaking further, the Chaplain stated the best gift for this Christmas as “forgiveness and reconciliation”. He apologized for his own shortcomings as the Chaplain since the beginning of the year. He prayed that God will provide for all and year 2025 will be better for all of us.

The event also witnessed the inauguration of 2025 Laity Week Committee and Lay Apostolate Harvest Committee. For the Laity Week, we have the following members: Dr. Cyril Osigwe, Prof. Benedict Emunemu, Mrs. Ibinaiye Monijesu, Mrs Adewumi Scholastica, Mr. Raphael Durojaye, Mr. Lawrence Alamu, Sir. Francis Ojo and Mrs. Felicity Onine. For Lay Apostolate Harvest, we have: Mr. Paulson Iru-Davis, Sir. Jude Oduah, Mrs. J. Dinindi, Mr. Bolaji Alamu, Dr. Kolawole, Mr. Jeremiah Ohierenem and Mr. Patrick Emerue.

At the end of AGM, the following resolutions were made:

• Any committee report shall be submitted on time
• At every Laity harvest, parishes shall cater for their members.
• Any committee report shall be submitted not later than two months after the event.

In conclusion, the Chaplain appealed to all the Councilors to be more generous to the Church, and shun “eye service”. The closing prayer was said by Lady Clara Oke while the Chaplain gave the blessing, after which everyone departed to their various destinations hoping to come together for yet another annual general meeting.