A few days ago, I was opportune to attend a review of the book, titled ‘Catholic Men Organisation (CMO), Church of the Ascension, Bodija, Ibadan: Two Decades of Indelible Landmark’. The 72-page book, compiled by Ayo Akinyemi, Adewale Kupoluyi and Abiola Layonu, published by Media Reports Projects in 2024, was reviewed by Dr. Maria Ekpenyong of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Ekpenyong noted that the publication’s introduction is preceded by a foreword from Most Reverend (Dr.) Peter Odetoyinbo, the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta. The preliminary contents of the book feature the foreword, introduction and dedication. Comprising eight chapters, using episodic approach, the book divides the contents into distinct segments. Chapter One, which was tagged ‘Moments of History’, the incumbent President establishes that everything about CMO is team work, underlying selfless service and commitment of members during each activity that are hosted by the CMO in the family Church of the Ascension. Chapter Two, titled ‘Saint Joseph: A Model of Fatherhood’ by Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu, presents a vivid account of what a fatherhood should be and reflected on the role of fathers in the church.
Chapter Three dwells on ‘CMO: Church of the Ascension: A Historical Excursion’, where the Pioneer President, Dr. Adewale Kupoluyi lucidly accounts for the historical birth of CMO, as a society and as an umbrella body for men in the family Church of the Ascension, as was initiated by the then Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Peter Odetoyinbo and now Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese. He also narrated everything about the formation and structures of CMO. Chapter Four, tagged ‘CMO: From Strength to Strength’ was written by Abel Oluwole Abimbola, as he presented a critical appraisal of CMO over the years while Chapter Five featured ‘My Stewardship as President’ by Sir Sam Korie, the third President of CMO, who elaborately captured the aim, relevance and historical analysis of the organisation.
In Chapter Six, tagged ‘CMO: Happy to be Part of the Story’, Chief Emmanuel Oyegoke identifies with and appraises the achievements of CMO. Chapter Seven presents ‘Rendering Account of Stewardship’ by Chief Abiola Layonu, where he summarised the laudable projects and achievements of the organisation in the last 20 years. He concluded that the society had achieved its objectives of mobilising men of the Parish towards active spiritual participation in church activities. Chapter Eight covers ‘Goodwill Messages’ from top dignitaries. An overview of the book’s content point to the fact that the book is a source of wisdom, as it covers a wide range of topics from the history of CMO, activities, achievements, challenges, and prospects, among others.
Key findings and insights indicate that the CMO in the family Church of Ascension is a strong, stable and sustainable unified body, which had been nursing and promoting spiritual growth and service to the Parish. It has contributed the spiritual impact of families, the church and society as a whole. This book will provide knowledge about CMO and draw men closer to God. The reviewer disclosed that the publication’s strengths include the fact that experienced and seasoned authors contributed to the contents of the book. Authors use verifiable sources, with a clear writing style. Another strength lies in the area of solid backing by spiritual fathers like archbishops, bishops, reverend fathers, and funding issues.
Being the first CMO in the history of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, is undeniable strength, saying there is transparency, accountability and media supports on its activities. On challenges, the book identifies few challenges such as funding, low membership, and inability to resuscitate the Bodija CMO Newsletter production; on accuracy, the book contents are accurate and explicit with no room for bias; on objectivity, the book contains vital and verifiable information that are based on facts and evidence with no issue of opinion while the aesthetic quality shows that the publication is beautifully and colorfully designed with historic pictures.
In terms of relevance, the contents reveal the relevance of CMO in the areas of spiritual growth of members and service to church; building strong faith foundation among its members and in the provision of sense of belonging and support for community members, and of course, counseling and mentoring CMO members. Significant achievement, as reflected in book, are as follows: hosting of the Parish annual harvest and thanksgiving, annual Feast and Fathers Day celebrations, spiritual retreats, yearly symposium/health talks, creation of CMO constitution, regular monthly meeting, timely succession plan, and many more.
In conclusion, the book highlights the CMO in the family Church of the Ascension as a strong, stable and sustainable unified body, which has been nursing and promoting spiritual growth and services to the Parish. It also reveals the CMO, as a blessing to all men in the family Church of the Ascension, as well as promotes the spiritual growth of members significantly, adding that Bodija CMO certainly has a vision of strengthening members’ faith to serve the church with their means, talents and endowments, saying the book is highly recommended for all.
