By Rev. Fr. Anthony Adetayo

The 10th day of December is known as the World Human Right Day. The Diocese of Ijebu-Ode was not left out in this celebration as Priests, religious and Laity gathered at JDPC complex to celebrate the Holy Mass and begin the foundation of outlet for the destitute in honour of Late Bishop Albert Ayinde Fasina.

The Mass was presided by the Bishop, Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina and flanked by Very Rev. fr. John-Patrick Ngoyi CICM and Very Rev. Fr. Christopher Ogunnupebi and many other priest were concelebrants. The homilist, Rev. Fr. Odunsi David-Mary said Exactly this day in 1948 the United Nations released the 30-article document called the Universal Declaration of human right in which the first of them all reads “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood”. The theme for this year is “All are born equal” He continued by saying “One of the brains behind this universal declaration is Jacques Maritain. He received in 1965 the message of Pope Paul VI for the intellectuals of the world. The title ‘Justice in the world’ was the name of the Post Synodal document that was released in 1971 after 1970 synod of Bishops. This shows the Church is the real champion of justice in the world. In our Diocese we gather round the Bishop to domesticate this celebration and become vanguard of human right. To immortalize the name of Bishop Fasina who was a man for justice and care for the poor, we will lay the foundation for home of destitute so we can all continue the good work he started.

The Bishop of the Diocese appreciated the wonderful organization seen in the program by the JDPC led by the Director, Very Rev. Fr. John-Patrick Ngoyi CICM and all the 5 departments of JDPC in conjunction with the Church and society organ. “I want to thank you so much for all you have done in the past and this year 2021. We are becoming the salt of the earth and light of the world. Only God knows the impact of the services you render here. You support people, defend people, give life to people, and provide for people. Even if we think that some people don’t appreciate it, we are following the mandate of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for making yourself available for the Spirit of God. Thank you for what you’re doing to emphasize equality and justice. Let us not overemphasize our weakness more than the good we’re doing.

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The Bishop continued, “On my part, I’m amazed because there is leadership and good formation of family life here in the community. It’s good to gather to celebrate human right. Every department should go back and evaluate itself in human right. Take a challenge of asking yourself if you have done everything right. If not our celebration will just be facade. If everyone decides to make this celebration count, the world will be a better place. We shall lay the foundation for the home of destitute in honour of Late Bishop Albert Ayinde Fasina. May God bring the work to a good end.

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After the Mass, the people gathered at the site for the foundation laying where the Bishop laid the foundation of the building in honour of Late Bishop Albert Ayinde Fasina. Msgr. Gabriel Ayankoya, Very. Rev. Fr. John Patrick Ngoyi CICM and Very Rev. Fr. Gabriel Oresegun joined him to complete the four corner stones. The people were happy for such is deserving of the Late Bishop who worked tirelessly for the poor and destitute.