By Anthonia Sokoya.

At the annual Opening Prayer for the year with the Lord organized by the CYON of Ijebu-Ode diocese, held at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Iperu on the 28th of January,  2023, Rev. Fr. Michael Elogie strongly admonished the youths to emulate and follow the leadership styles of Jesus Christ.

The programme started around 11:00am with the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament  by the Parish Priest of the host Parish, Very Rev. Fr. Alphonsus Okocha; the Dean of Iperu Deanery, Rev. Fr. Michael Elogie; the guest speaker and also the Chaplain of Iperu Deanery. Also present was the Diocesan youth Chaplain, Rev. Fr.  Evaristus-Mary Oduntan.

The guest speaker, Rev. Fr. Michael Elogie delivered a talk on Leadership. He enumerated the leadership qualities of Christ  and he encouraged the youths as believers to emulate Jesus’ style of Leadership.

While giving instances of  earthly leaders, he advised all the youths present to focus on the mission and vision of their organization and follow them strictly to achieve the best result.

What is such a gathering without the highest form of prayer? The Holy Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Michael Elogie and concelebrated by Fr. Okocha and Fr. Oduntan. At the Holy Mass, Fr. Okocha who spoke on faith gave instances of people in the Bible with great faith as he encouraged the youths to always have strong faith in God and believe in themselves.

Giving the vote of thanks, the diocesan youth president; Miss Anthonia Sokoya appreciated the presence of everyone. She specifically advised all youths present to get their Permanent voter’s cards and do well to vote for the right candidates.

Delivering the message of the Bishop, the diocesan youth chaplain; Rev Fr. Evaristus-Mary Oduntan said the Bishop wants the youths to be active in their various parishes and not only on the diocesan level. He also encouraged the youth to always wear the national uniform or white shirt on black trousers or skirt to youth functions.

Though the population was less than expected but the youths present had a nice time of learning experience with a determination to be more active in the New Year.