By Fr. Anthony Adetayo

The Knights and Ladies of St. Mulumba (Ijebu-Ode and Sagamu Sub-Councils) gathered at St. Patrick’s Formation House in Igbaga, Ijebu Imushin, on Saturday, December 14th, 2024, for their annual end-of-year program. The event was attended by distinguished guests, including the Bishop of the Diocese of Ijebu-Ode, Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina, Past Grand Knights, Lady Presidents, Worthy Brothers and Sisters, worthy Youths and Awardees.

The program took the form of a retreat, directed by Worthy Chaplain Rev. Fr. John Ashinwo. The Grand Knight of Ijebu-Ode Sub-council and Regional Grand Knight; Ass. Professor Patrick Akinsanya, delivered a well-crafted welcome address. He highlighted the progress made by the Sub-council over the last two years, noting that they had grown from a state of near dormancy to giving birth to a new Sub-council in Sagamu, to be piloted by Sir Ethelbert Nwahiri.

Ass. Professor Akinsanya explained that the Sub-council had made significant strides in the last two years, despite facing numerous challenges. He attributed their success to the dedication and hard work of the members, as well as the support of the Bishop and the Diocese. The Grand Knight also promised that the Knights and Ladies of St. Mulumba would continue to support the Bishop and the Bishop’s mission of training priests.

In his response, Bishop Adesina praised the Knights and Ladies of St. Mulumba for their achievements, describing them as a tree that has taken time to dig its roots deep into the ground. He noted that when such a tree eventually grows up, it can always withstand the wind and storms. The Bishop also acknowledged the support of the Order, saying, “Your support for the training of Priests is an eternal gift to the Diocese.” He then challenged them to tap into the vision of the three Pastoral Regional growth of the Diocese.

The event also featured an awards ceremony, where deserving individuals were recognized for their contributions to the Order. The Award of Corporate Supporter of the Order was given to Msgr. Victor Ajayi, Rev. Frs. Christopher Ogunnupebi, Martin Ajayi, Peter Ayanbadejo, and Anthony Adetayo. The Golden Knight of the Year award was given to Sir Brig. Gen. Wilson Obi, while the Golden Lady of the Year award was conferred upon Ass. Prof. Rukvwe Olughor.

The annual end-of-year program of the Knights and Ladies of St. Mulumba was a resounding success, filled with joy, gratitude, and celebration. The event ended with the Bishop’s blessing to all present, leaving everyone with a sense of hope and renewal for the New Year. As the Knights and Ladies of St. Mulumba look to the future, they do so with a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that their dedication and hard work have made a meaningful impact on their community.

As the Knights and Ladies of St. Mulumba continue on their journey, they do so with the knowledge that they are part of a larger community of Ijebu-Ode Diocese, united in their commitment to their faith and their values.