Benin City CMO Launches ₦15 Million Drive for Priestly Training Amidst Call for Hope


​-By Ruben Mario Brodrick 

Rev. Fr. Odigie Urges Faithful to 'Rejoice' and Cultivate a Positive Mindset, Highlighting the Critical Need for Resources to Support Seminarians in the Archdiocese of Benin City.

​BENIN CITY, December 14, 2025 – The Catholic Men Organisation (CMO) of the Benin City Deanery hosted a joyous and highly significant event, combining their annual End-of-Year Get-Together with a special Mass of Thanksgiving, culminating in the official launching of a fifteen million naira (₦15,000,000) fundraising appeal dedicated to supporting the training of priests—the third season of this vital Archdiocesan project. The Thanksgiving Mass featured a profound and uplifting Homily delivered by the Deanery CMO Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Christopher Odigie, who ably represented His Grace Most Rev Dr. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Benin City. 


Fr. Odigie’s message was timely, centered around the theme of rejoicing as the community anticipates the closeness of Christ's coming at Christmas, passionately urging the congregation to embrace faith and positive expectation by asserting, "Things will be better if you believe and trust in God; things are getting better, hence the reason for rejoicing today." He called on the faithful to actively cultivate a positive mindset, encouraging spiritual perseverance: "Be patient with the Lord, don't live a life of disrepair," and stressed the


 indispensable role of the clergy: "Without the priest, there is no sacrifice of the mass," highlighting the urgency driven by "inadequate resources for the training of priests." The event was deeply affirmed by the presence of numerous dignitaries, including the Chairman of the Occasion Hon. Felix Osaze Igbinovia, the Chief Launcher Senator Neda Imasuen Esq, and Co-launchers Hon. Engr Esosa Iyawe and Hon. Mudiaga Ogbemudia.

​In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Engr. Saiki Odion, shared the specific, spiritual goal of the gathering, stating, "We are here today, first to give thanks to God almighty for His numerous blessings... We considered today as the best moment for us to put our resources together in support of training priests for the church." He elaborated on the ambitious financial target: "The CMON Benin City Deanery desires to train, at least, four priests of this 3rd Edition at ₦2,500,000 each, which was estimated to the tune of ₦15,000,000," before appealing to all present to support this "Spiritual Evangelization Project." Further endorsing the initiative was the host Parish Priest of St. Andrew Catholic Church, Ugbiyoko, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Iminiunu SMA, who pointed out the critical gap in pastoral care, noting that "the rate of the reduction in the number of priests in pastoral assignment is very minimal." The Deanery CMO President, Mr. Matthew Oromaiwele Esele, commended the organizers and called for collaborative support from all members of the CMO, CWO, and Laity Council. Archdiocesan CMO President, Sir Barr Austin Odigie KSP, expressed immense delight over the outcome, describing the reception ceremony as "Christmas before Christmas," and further called on all Men to embrace the patronage of the organization’s Prayer Manual, reminding them of the man's responsibility to lead prayer. 

The spirit of generosity was palpable as benefactors made significant donations, concluding with Fr. Odigie extending heartfelt thanks to all contributors and the host parish for the successful event, affirming that "whatever that will be realised can be a source of Thanksgiving and joy" for the Archdiocesan community.

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