By The Partner Newspaper

A momentous occasion brought together the clergy, religious, and a massive congregation at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ajaka, Sagamu, on Sunday, October 5, 2025, for a powerful triple celebration. The day was marked by the 25th Priestly Ordination Anniversary (Silver Jubilee) of Very Rev. Fr. John Okwui Anih, MSP, who is also the founding priest of the parish, alongside the parish’s 10th Anniversary and its annual harvest celebration.

Founding Priest Honoured

The Holy Mass commenced around 10:00 a.m. with a large number of priests and religious in attendance, underscoring the significance of Fr. Anih’s 25 years of dedicated service to God and the Church.

Rev. Fr. Albert Osunlaja, the current Parish Priest, extended a warm welcome to all guests. He offered special gratitude to Fr. John Anih, MSP, acknowledging his foundational role in the community.

“We thank Fr. John Anih, MSP, who started this Ajaka parish and gave the church a culture of noteworthiness,” Fr. Osunlaja stated, highlighting the lasting spiritual and organizational legacy left by the founding priest.

Decade of Growth

The celebration marked a decade since the parish’s creation, a testament to the community’s growth and the perseverance of its pioneers. The combination of the two anniversaries and the annual harvest created an atmosphere of profound thanksgiving.

Fr. Alfred-Matthew Nworie delivered the homily and highlighted Fr. Anih’s extensive experience, noting that he “worked in many places in Nigeria and outside Nigeria,” always demonstrating a “capacity for growth.” He specifically praised Fr. Anih’s compassionate character, recognizing him as a “friend of children and poor.”

The homilist recalled Fr. Anih’s humble beginnings in the Ajaka parish: He “started small” and made the conscious choice to “stay with his people in Ajaka even without Fr. House.” His dedication led to the rapid development of the community, as “people came from very far because of him.” Fr. Anih was praised for his focus on “built the people” before building structures.

Fr. Nworie connected Fr. Anih’s willingness to leave Ajaka when his time was done to a profound scriptural message and a practical analogy. Quoting the spirit of Hebrews 11:1, which speaks of faith as “the assurance of things hoped for,” Fr. Nworie stated that Fr. Anih “has shown faith.” He compared this obedience to a traffic light, stressing that no matter how comfortable one becomes in ministry, a priest must be ready to move with faith to a new place “just like when traffic light shows you the green light.”

Fr. Nworie concluded that Fr. Anih’s journey is a teaching in itself, declaring, “Fr. [Anih’s] life is a Gospel on its own.”

Following the Mass, parishioners, guests, and well-wishers moved to the premises for a joyous reception ceremony and various bazaar activities, rounding off a memorable day of faith, fellowship, and celebration.