Catholic Men Urged to Embrace Civic Responsibilities for Good Governance
The Chairman of the Catholic Men’s Organisation of Nigeria (CMON), St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Adeleye, Mr. Patrick Eka-Iloma, has called on Christian fathers to actively engage in civic responsibilities to promote good governance and societal development in Nigeria.
Eka-Iloma made the call on Sunday May 3, 2026 during the 2026 Fathers’ Day celebration of the organisation held in the parish on Sunday.
Speaking during the event, he said the celebration was in line with the directive of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), which fixed the Fathers’ Day celebration on the Sunday preceding the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker celebrated on May 1.
According to him, the celebration was held in honour of St. Joseph, the patron saint of fathers and workers.
He said the event marked the grand finale of a week-long programme which featured recreational and spiritual activities including a health talk, health walk, football match, physical exercise sessions and novena prayers to St. Joseph.
Eka-Iloma commended members and committees of the organisation for their active participation and support toward the success of the activities.
Speaking on the theme of the celebration, “Civic Engagement of Christian Fathers as Agents of Change for Good Governance,” the chairman said fathers must go beyond providing for their homes to becoming active participants in societal development.
“As fathers, we must not remain spectators in the affairs of the church, community and nation. Like St. Joseph, who protected and guided the Holy Family, we are called to be agents of change.
“We must engage, speak up, vote wisely, mentor the young and model integrity in our workplaces and society. Good governance begins with good fathers,” he said.
He urged Christian fathers to demonstrate their faith through positive civic actions and leadership both at home and in society.
Eka-Iloma also highlighted some achievements of the CMON in the parish, noting that the organisation remained active at the parish, deanery and diocesan levels despite existing challenges.
He recalled that the CMON anchored the church’s “Harvest of Peace” programme last year, adding that proceeds from the programme contributed to the tiling of the church auditorium.
He further stated that members participated actively in the Easter retreat organised by the Ota Deanery at Ilo-Awela, while five additional members were inducted into the CMON in the diocese in November 2025 by the Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Kayode Odetoyinbo.
On finances, the chairman said the organisation was not indebted to any church structure due to the support and commitment of active members.
He added that some members who had shown dedication to the growth and development of the church through the CMON were honoured with Certificates of Appreciation during the celebration.
“Such recognition had not happened before in the church and many members expressed joy over the appreciation,” he said.
Eka-Iloma, however, expressed concern over the low participation of young married men in the organisation.
“Based on available statistics, we have over 100 men in the church, but less than 50 actively participate in CMON, which is below expectation.
“We appeal to our men to identify with CMON as one of the recognised organisations in the Catholic Church,” he said.
While appreciating the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Barnabas Ademu, OSJ, for the development work in the parish and commitment to the growth of the parish, he appealed to him to support efforts aimed at increasing membership participation.
The chairman added that the organisation had continued to support sick and bereaved members through charity outreach and welfare assistance.
He condoled with families of deceased members and prayed for the repose of the souls of the faithful departed.
Also speaking, the immediate past chairman of the CMON in the church, Mr. Anthony Oyana, described Fathers’ Day as a moment of celebration and unity among men in the church.
“We are celebrating Fathers’ Day to felicitate with one another. It is a thing of joy because getting men together and leading men is not easy.
“Our message to men out there is to join their fellow men. We are not a secret society; we are here to move the church forward and empower ourselves,” he said.
A former chairman of the organisation, Chief Charles Ogbonna, said some members were recognised during the event for their contributions to the growth of the CMON in the church.
He encouraged men who were yet to join the organisation to do so, describing the CMON as the pillar of the church.
“The principal thing about being a father is to care for yourself and your family. If you fail to do that, then you are not fulfilling your role as a father.
“A real father cares for his family and also supports the church,” he said.
In his remarks, Mr. Paul Itodo, a catechist and Life Auxiliary Assistant Secretary of the CMON, commended the leadership of Eka-Iloma, describing him as humble and committed to the progress of the organisation.
“Our slogan is ‘Christ is our leader.’ Men are supposed to be the economic pillars of their homes irrespective of the economic situation.
“If a man is unable to fully meet his responsibilities and the wife is assisting, such a woman should be appreciated and loved for supporting the family,” he said.
He noted that understanding and cooperation between couples would help maintain peace and happiness in homes while men continued striving to fulfil their responsibilities.
“It is not easy to be a man,” he added.
Also, the Laity Chairman of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Adeleye, Mr. Charles Nwaokolo-oba, urged fathers not to despair despite the challenges associated with fatherhood.
He said fathers deserved appreciation for their sacrifices, struggles and sleepless nights spent providing for their families.
“It is not easy to be a father because of the many struggles and sleepless nights just to meet up with responsibilities.
“My prayer is that God will continue to protect and bless all fathers and grant them long life to enjoy old age with their spouses,” he said.
He urged children not to forget the sacrifices made by their fathers in raising them.
“Fathers may not be perfect, but their sacrifices are for the good of their children.
“They should always remember that there was a time their fathers toiled and suffered for them,” he added.
He also encouraged fathers to take time to relax and celebrate themselves on Fathers’ Day.
“All fathers should enjoy themselves today, take a moment out, give yourselves a treat and stay away from anxieties and troubles.
“Tell yourself, ‘Today I am here to enjoy myself.’ Happy Fathers’ Day to all fathers,” he said.
Newsmen reports that the father’s had fun celebrating themselves and reminding themselves of the important role they play in the church.
It is noted that since Vatican Council II, the Catholic Church had continued to promote active participation of the laity in the life and mission of the church.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria had also continued to urge the lay faithful to play active roles in the civic space by participating in the electoral process as change agents.
