MINUTES OF THE 75TH BI-MONTHLY GENERAL MEETING HELD ON SUNDAY, 28TH MAY 2023 AT ST.

PAUL PARISH, AIRPORT ROAD, BENIN CITY.

1.0 OPENING FORMALITIES

1.1 PROCESSION/BIBLE ENTHRONEMENT- The meeting began at 12:30pm, with the above liturgical
activities being done by President St. Thomas, Miss. Victoria Okoduwa; President St Agatha Miss
Josephine Onojiafe and Treasurer St Mary Iyanomo Miss. Faith Ighodalo respectively.

1.2 PRAYER/YOUTH ANTHEM- The worship/Praise and Prayer was led by Brother Anthony Alabi,
Pastoral head St Paul. The anthem was immediately chanted by all members present while standing,
with the salute taken by the Vice Deanery President, Mr. Paul Edafe Maminoro, with 218members
present.

1.3 SPIRITUAL REFLECTION- This was delivered by Mr. Anthony Alabi from St. Paul. He made
reference to the book of Matthew 5:14-16. The theme of his reflection was "LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE".
He told us that in whatever we find ourselves, we should know that we are Ambassadors of Christ
and we should always try to portray God's image in us. Also as the light of the world, we are to shine
in the right path for God's glory to prevail in our world.

1.4 AGENDA- This was read by the Deanery Vice President as follows:
1) National Report
2) Provincial Report
3) Archdiocesan Report
4) Laity report
5) Business of the day (BOD)
6) Faith Alive Update Report
7) Financial Report
8) Picnic Report
9) Lentern Retreat Report
10) Presentation of welfare to Beneficiaries
11) Inauguration of newly elected parish executives
12) Parish Visitation
13) General/Any other business (A.O.B.)
14) Finance
15) Correspondence/Announcement.
1.4.1 ADOPTION- The motion was moved and seconded by Miss Emmanuella Eze from Holy Cross
and Miss Chukwuma Anita from St. Matthew Ogba, respectively.

1.5 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT- The Archdiocesan Representative, All past and present leaders; Parish
Presidents, and the teaming youths of the Deanery were duly and respectfully welcomed to the day’s
meeting by the Deanery Vice President, Mr. Paul Edafe Maminoro.
1.6 WELCOME ADDRESS- The address was delivered by the President of the host Parish, who
welcomed everyone to their Parish and prayed for a fruitful deliberation. Meanwhile the chaplain of
the parish, Rev. Fr. Christian Enetanya also thanked us for coming to their Parish and prays that we
deliberate under the Holy Spirit.

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1.6. 1. RESPONSE - The welcome address was reciprocated by President St. Francis, Mr. Patrick
Illechie, he thanked the host Parish for their warm reception.

1.7 Roll Call

1.7.1 Deanery Executive Officers – Vice – President, General Secretary, Assistant General Secretary,
Treasurer, Financial secretary, Public Relations Officer, Welfare Officer, Pastoral Head, Provost 2, Ex
official 1.

1.7.2 APOLOGY- The President was on an official duty.

Parishes Present - Thirty three (33) parishes out of Forty- Five (45) Parishes (Kindly check the
attached copy, please).

2.0 MINUTES
2.1. READING- The minutes of the previous meeting was read by the General Secretary Miss Asebhor
Rachael Iyere. Corrections were made. Miss Faith Ekhator, she corrected her name to be spelt with
first letter of E not A.
President St Joseph corrected in 3.6 that the drinks brought should be specified, which was 2 cartons
of malt.
Omora Francis corrected 5.0, the diseased from St Teresa was by name Mr. Abu Ben James and he
was a formal parish executive.

3.0 MATTERS ARISING

3.1. NATIONAL REPORT – The Vice President announced to us that the National uniform is still
available at the cost of #6,500 and parishes interested can get theirs.

3.2. PROVINCIAL REPORT - The Vice President informed us that the provincial election which was to
hold on the 4th of June has been rescheduled due to St. Charles Luagua feast celebration to an
unknown date. He also informed us that Mr. Patrick Akumabor will be coming out for the position of
presidency in the province

3.3 ARCHDIOCESAN REPORT- Miss Faith Ekhator informed us about the preparation for the St.
Charles Luagua feast day.

Date: 31 may
She pleaded with us to give our advert for the program.
Venue: St. Mullumba Catholic Church B/C.
Also the she urged us to join in the novena that was on for the program.

3.4. LAITY REPORT- The BCD Treasure, Miss Amagada Joy informed the house that the Laity
abmonishes members from reporting priest to especially the Archbishop and also meetings should
not be held when laity meetings are also held. The next laity meeting was to hold at St. Raphael
Catholic Church upper mission.

3.5. BUSINESS OF THE DAY (BOD)

3.5.1. Faith Alive Season 9 Progress Report- The Chairman Mr. Andrew Mbamara reminded us on the
date for the program, which is 6-13 August 2023. He also said that during the opening mass members
who are skilled and have businesses can showcase theirs through exhibition outside the church
premises and the cost per spot to stay is #500. While other programs like sports, rally, pageantry,
cultural mass etc. will be done on other days. Finally he spoke on the empowerment program, those
to empower were in two categories

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1) Those that will be empowered in skills acquisition
2) Those that will be empowered with finance to start up a business already learnt

In the course if the meeting the laity chairman of the parish, Sir William Omoigui was acknowledged
and he appreciated us for coming out in mass for our general meeting and he also prayed for a
fruitful deliberation. Furthermore he pleaded that the football competition we held should be a
regular game for us so as to unite us.

Mr. Uyi Edo Shedrack Ex official 1, responded and thanked the chairman of the parish Laity council
for his kind words.

3.5.1.1 COMMENTS - Mr. Emmanuel Ololobou from St. Francis said that alternative venue for the
program at St Paul minor seminary should be gottento avoid disappointment

* President St Peter, Mr. Godwill Okojie Suggested that those to be empowered should be able to
show some seriousness that they will be empowered and there should be some motivation regarding
the empowerment too.

*Vice President holy cross Miss Enecho Esther Ujunwa pleaded that the pageantry this year should
be more reliable and straight forward because the previous ones have not be too encouraging and
also she pleaded the committee do a better job and clear the doubt in the air this time.

*Mr. Frank Aigbedion from St Paul suggested that the venue should be gotten earlier so that the
messages can be passed early.

* Mr. Safa Anthony from St. Paul pleaded that all ethnic group head names should be announced so
that others can easily locate them and join the group.

*President St. Francis Mr. Patrick Illechie said that document needs to be given to parish president so
that it will be official when talking to people about the program.

* President St. Jude Mr. Collins Akele appreciated the chairman for the wonderful job he is doing
especially trying to assist our youth through empowerment.

3.5.1.2 CHAIRMAN RESPONSE- The chairman appreciated everyone for their input and he
announced/identified all the various ethnic group heads for everyone to know them.

He also promised to make a good change regarding the pageantry and those to empower will be
screened properly to be sure they are qualified before the empowerment.

Finally he thanked all those who has donated towards the empowerment.

3.5.2 FINANCIAL REPORT- The financial report was presented and read by the financial secretary,
Mr. Omotayo Sule.

Motion of acceptance was moved by Mr. Nwokedi and Seconded by Miss Grace Omokomio.

3.5.2.1 COMMENTS- Mr. Patrick Illechie, president St. Francis pleaded that all abbreviations should
be written in full for a better understanding.

* Mr. Nwokedi Kingsley, President Blessed Tansi asked on what occasion was the award given on
December 2021. Also an attachment of the bank statement should be included to the financial report
when presenting it.

*President St. Peter, Mr. Godwill Okojie said that the time frame for the report presented was too
much and lengthy and it should have been for a duration of six (6) month.
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* Mr. Frank Igbedion suggested that a separate account be opened, so that any event held in the
deanery can go through the account, whereby at the end of each program, a bank statement will be
printed out during the report.

3.5.2.2 CHAIRMAN'S RESPONSE - The chairman responded that the soft copy of the bank statement
was available and will be sent to the cops group also the award presented was for the lunchon
program held.

The Vice President joined his voice and said that the report was already deliberated in the cops
meeting and so it isn't lengthy at all.

3.5.2.3. ADOPTION- Adoption of the report as a working document was moved by Mr. David Ominyi
President St. Mullumba and seconded by Mr. Kingsley Ogbebor, secretary St. Agatha.

3.6 PICNIC FINAL REPORT- The Vice President expressed displeasure about the behavior of the
chairman of the committee who has not been available right from the event day proper.

The Ex official 1 suggested that the report be put on hold until the chairman is available to give and
answer questions for the report.

4.0 INAUGURATION OF NEWLY ELECTED PARISH EXECUTIVES-

The newly elected Executive Officers of Holy Cross Cathedral, St. Francis, St. Raphael and Holy Trinity
Catholic church were inaugurated and prayed for by the Ex official 1, Mr. Uyi Shedrack.

4.1 PRESENTATION OF WELFARE BENEFITS

The welfare head, Mrs. Rebecca Edo called out the beneficiaries and gave them their incentives, they
are as follows

Emeritus president St. Jude

Emeritus president Sacred heart
President BCD for his wedding
Financial secretary BCD for his mother's burial
Welfare BCD for her wedding
President BCD for his father's burial
Welfare Archdiocese for her father's burial
PRO BCD for his mother's burial
Ex official 1 for his wedding
Ex official 2 for his wedding

4.2 PARISH VISITATION - The Vice President thanked President Blessed Tansi Mr. Kingsley Ebuka
Nwokedi and Mr. Miracle Oboh for their time regarding the parish visitation. He also appealed that
Parish Presidents should always disseminate information to their Parish members so that they will be
aware of the various activities held in the organization.

The Ex official 1 adviced the executives to work closely with the parish Presidents and chaplain to
enable smooth running of the organization.

5.0 GENERAL/Any other business (AOB)

* President St. Francis Mr. Patrick Illechie, thanked the executive for coming to conduct their
election, he also advised that we should have more empowerment in the deanery.
* Mr. Christopher from Ascension utteh, asked how the deanery handle welfare packages regarding
parish executives.
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* Ex official 1 thanked the executive for the welfare packages given to him and his lovely wife and
prayed God continue to bless us.
* President St. Jude, Mr. Collins Akele asked about the presence of our chaplain, inputting that his
presence is important and needed in our gathering.
* The Archdiocesan DOS, Mr. Omini Gift urged us all to try in putting our best and to attend the St.
Charles Luagua feast day celebration.
* President St. Blessed Tansi Mr. Kingsley Ebuka Nwokedi, asked why the postponement of the
provincial election, and also what are the measures put in place for the winning if the election.
* Mr. Kingsley Ogbebor, said that the time for meetings are lengthy, he plead the president do
something about it.
*Mr. Ominyi David Godwin President St. Mullumba asked why the newly elected were inaugurated
when not properly dressed and also why some persons where allowed to speak when not properly
dressed also.
*Mr. Andrew Mbamara appealed to parish president to try and inform everyone in their parish about
our forthcoming Faith Alive program.
* Mr. Joseph Thomas from our Lady of Fatima suggested that all report to be presented should give a
summary to save time.
* Mr. Frank Igbedion asked about the issue of our projector for the display of minutes for proper
viewing. He also said that the football materials to be returned were not stated in the minutes.
* Mr. Emmanuel Ololobou adived us all to always dress decently with the right uniform because it
make us look responsible.
* Miss Edebor Rachael appreciated the house on behalf of her brother and family on the welfare
packages given to them.
* President St mark, Mr. Gabriel Said that despite the pleading and apology rendered regarding the
assault from one of them during the football competition, the deanery insisted that they pay the fine
of #20,000.

5.1. RESPONSE - The Vice President announced that from our next meeting the rule for uniform will
be strictly adhere to.

He also said that our chaplain was not available and didn't get across to him to know why.

The Archdiocesan President has not given any concrete reason why the provincial election is always
postponed.

He said from the by law only Parish Presidents, deanery executives and Archdiocesan executives from
the deanery are entitled to any welfare incentive from the deanery, therefore parish welfare takes
care of their executives.

Various reports can't be summarized because it was a duty assigned and details need to be given.

Our projector is okay but the laptop used in projecting was stolen.

Meanwhile the chairman for football competition Mr. Mcblaise Ihedioha, presented the items used
fir the football competition.

2 sets of goal post net, a football, 2 whistle, a flag, rope for lining Field, football pump, Red and
yellow cards. He appreciated the deanery fir the welfare package given to him.

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6.0 FINANCE

MONTHLY DUES N14,400

WELFARE. N12,500
SECRET BAG COLLECTION (SBC) N3,950
TOTAL N30,850

7.0 ANNOUNCEMENT/CORRESPONDENCE:
* A letter of invitation was brought to the house from St. Augustine and at Gabriel Catholic Church,
inviting us to their youth week celebration slated for June 11th to 18th respectively.
* A letter of appreciation was also brought to the house by St. Teresa Catholic Church, expressing
their profound gratitude for the support that was given to them during the burial of their late
president.
* Next parish to host the general meeting is St. Fidelis Catholic Church.

8.0 CLOSING FORMALITIES

8.1 ADJOURNMENT - The motion was moved and seconded by Mr. Omini Gift from Holy Cross and
Miss Igwe Amaka from Blessed Tansi respectively.

8.2 PRAYER/YOUTH ANTHEM- The prayer was led by Mr. Paul Edafe Maminoro, Vice President BCD.
Thereafter, the Anthem was chanted by all, with the salute taken by the Deanery Vice President.

The above ended the meeting convivially at 4:44pm.

May the Souls of Callistus Obidah, Osayande Francis Elaiho, and the Faithful departed through God's
mercy rest in peace. Amen.

For God and for Youth…………..Through Christ!

Osadebamwen Paul Edebor Rachael Iyere Asebhor

President General Secretary.

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C.Y.O.N. B.C.D. PARISHES ROLL CALL AT THE 65TH GENERAL MEETING HELD ON
SUNDAY, 26TH SEPTEMBER 2021 AT ST. PATRICK MILITARY CHURCH, IKPOBA
HILL, BENIN CITY.
S/N NAME OF PARISH 1ST ROLL CALL 2ND ROLL CALL
1. Ascension Chaplaincy 1 2
2. Assumption Parish, Uteh 1 3
3. Blessed Tansi Parish - 5
4. Good Shepherd, Asoro 1 1
5. Good Shepherd, Evbuabogun - -
6. Holy Cross Cathedral 11 15
7. Holy Spirit Parish - -
8. Holy Trinity, Oka 1. 9 10
9. Mary, Mother of Redeemer - -
10. Miraculous Infant Jesus Parish 1 2
11. Immaculate Conception Parish - 5
12. Our Lady of Fatima, Ugbor - 5
13. Sacred Heart Parish, Evboriaria 3 2
14. Saint Agatha, Erediauwa 2 3
15. ,, Andrew, Aruogba 1 1
16. ,, Andrew, Ugbiyokho - -
17. ,, Anthony, Evbuotubu - -
18. ,, Augustine, Ukhegie 2 5
19. ,, David Police Chaplaincy - -
20. ,, Fidelis, Aduwawa 5 5
21. ,, Francis, Ekehuan 12 14
22. ,, Gabriel the Archangel, Ogbeson - 2
23. ,, Gabriel the Archangel, Sapele Road - 4
24. ,, George, Jemila - -
25. ,, Gregory the Great, Ohovbe - -
26. ,, John Vianney 2 8
27. ,, Joseph 6 8
28. ,, Jude, Iwogban 4 5
29. ,, Maria Goretti - -
30. ,, Mark, Ohovbe 1 6
31. ,, Mary, Iyanomo 11 9
32. ,, Mary, Obe - 3
33. ,, Matthew, Ogba 7 6
34. ,, Matthias, Ologbo - -
35. ,, Mulumba - 3
36. ,, Patrick Army Chapalincy, Ikpoba- Hill 2 2
37. ,, Paul 33 25
38. ,, Peter, 2nd Ugbor 4 4
39. ,, Polycarp, Ogheghe - 1
40. ,, Teresa - 4
41. ,, Thomas Aquinas 1 7
42. ,, Valentine - -
43 ,, St Raphael - 14
44 ,, Ascension, Uteh - 2