It was a very spirit filled and successful Annual Convention organised by the Catholic Men Organisation (CMO) with the theme “The Master is here” (John 11:28) from Thursday, 10th to Sunday, 13th August, 2017 at St. Gregory’s College, South West, Ikoyi Lagos, where the men were camped. The spiritual exercise that attracted over 5,000 participants was used to induct about 3,000 men and celebrated the 15th Years’ Anniversary of the organisation in the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos. Also various awards namely Pastoral, Authentic Leader’s and Consistency were bestowed on the deserved lay faithful including the clerics. The Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano, received the ‘Authentic Leader’s Award’. He was represented by one Mrs. Uloma J. Wise – from Anambra State Liaison Office in Lagos. The Governor through his proxy appreciated the award bestowed on him and commended the efforts of the leaders of the CMO for encouraging the men in serving God.

Apart from the spiritual discussions, there were different lectures with subthemes ranging from ‘Opportunities in a Depressed Economy’, ‘Funding Sources for beginners and SMEs in Nigeria’, ‘Leadership & Management Techniques for a nonprofit group like the CMO’. A good number of resource persons including a Reverend Father and motivational speakers were engaged. There were questions and answers at the end of each lecture.

Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Daniel Nwankwo – the Archdiocesan Chaplain of the organisation in collaboration with other priests celebrated the opening Mass that took place at the Chapel of the St. Gregory College on Thursday 10th August, 2017. During the homily, Fr. Nwankwo advised the members of CMO and Catholic Confraternity of Christian Fathers (CCCF) to always cooperate and work as a people of one faith. He implored the men to deny themselves pleasures of life in order to follow Christ. He said that it was very mandatory for all men as from the ages of 25 and above to be members of the organisation in spite of a number of pious societies they may belong. He classified CCCF as one of the pious societies operating under the Catholic Church and not an organisation.

The Archbishop of Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, DD was proficiently represented by Very Rev. Msgr B.A. Okodua, Episcopal Vicar, Lagos Region and Dean of Surulere Deanery. He was the Chief Celebrant at the closing Mass held on Sunday 13th August, 2017. During the sermon among other constructive things he said, he admonished the congregation majorly dominated by men to restrain from being secretive Christians and further discouraged them from being nominal members of the organisaion. Furthermore, the elderly priest advised the members of the CMO to be active and said that it was not God that condemns people rather people denounce themselves.

Mr. John Aigbokhaode, President of the organisation during his welcome address appreciated His Eminence, Anthony Cardinal Okogie who gave his consent to the formation of the CMO in 2002 that earlier existed with diverse names in Lagos Archdiocese. He equally thanked His Grace, Most Rev. (Dr) Alfred Adewale Martins, who has helped to encourage men as they take new steps in the growth of the body. He gladly said that the organisation spreads across to a good number of parishes in their archdiocese and beyond.

The Chairman, Planning Committee, Sir Emmanuel Iweha-Onukwu (KSJI), who officiated and saw to the success of the programme said that in addition to the year’s convention, they were equally celebrating the 15th Year Anniversary of the CMO in Lagos Archdiocese. He cherished the theme of the convention and said that the option of the topic was very suitable because it showed that God was visiting them. He appreciated his committee members and the guests that attended the occasion. Sir Iweha, a Chartered Accountant, said that he loves serving God and humanity.

Last year theme was ‘The Merciful God’ (Deuteronomy 4: 30 – 31). Also a good number of people attended the programme that took place at the same venue. The CMO is an umbrella body of all Men in the Catholic Church. The organisation was established to bring all Men to Christ, make them better fathers and builder of the church and society.

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