Fr. Anthony Adetayo

The 14^th day of December 2022 was very remarkable in the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode as the entire Diocese gathered to celebrate the sendforth of Sir Augustine Rotimi Odukoya who has worked as the Diocesan Finance Administrator for 25 years.

The Mass of thanksgiving was celebrated in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Kajola, Ijebu-Ode. In attendance were the Bishop of the Diocese; Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina, the Bishop of Osogbo Diocese; Most Rev. John Akinkunmi Oyejola, Vicar for Pastoral of the Diocese; Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Balogun and many Priests and Religious and Laity from within and outside the Diocese. The homilist at the Mass, Rev. Fr. Christopher Ogunnupebi sang praises to God who has made it possible for Sir Odukoya to pass through hurdles without eventual accident. Before the end of the Mass, Sir Odukoya was presented with a papal honour of blessing from the Supreme Pontiff; Pope Francis, while the Bishop appreciated everyone who graced the occasion.

At the reception, people came out to give testimonies about his life and how he has faithfully served the Church and charitably helped people.

The Bishop in his remarks says Sir Odukoya loves and respects the Diocese of Ijebu-Ode. The Bishop describes him as a very patient man who has never looked down on anybody in the Diocese irrespective of the issues at stake. The Bishop tells him “help us thank your wife”.

Sir Odukoya danced to the glory of God in company of the Bishop of the Diocese and other dignitaries in attendance. In his response, Sir Odukoya encourages the other accountants in the system that it is not over even as he is taking his bow. He thanks Msgr. Valentine Awoyemi who told him 25 years ago to serve God professionally since he would not be a Priest. He thanks his parents and those who have sponsored him at different levels of education.

He narrated how he started working for the Diocese since 1997 but significantly, that he took his work as a ministry. He stated to the admiration of everyone that all that he has is of the Lord. He reiterated that this date of his send-forth is a divine plan. According to him, “I resumed my work on 14^th December 1997 and I am being sent forth on 14^th December 2022 after 25 years.

The Diocese prays for him as he proceeds to pursue his professional career in another land.