The Young Christian Workers Movement of Nigeria, St. Peter Claver’s Centre, Ajao Estate, and Lagos Archdiocese celebrated her 10th anniversary recently in grand style. The weeklong activities marking the anniversary started with sporting activities including Novelty Football match between YCW Men and the CMON; Table Tennis Tournament with CYON; Aerobics; and board games at the parish garden. Prior to the Closing Ceremony, there was a medical outreach in the parish compound. The activities for the outreach were Medical tests (BMI, Blood Pressure, Eye, Cholesterol, Hepatitis B & C, HIV, Blood Sugar, ECG, Cervical Cancer Screening, Breast examination); Health talks; Medical consultation/ counselling; and a host of free medications and vitamins. Over 300 persons benefitted from the medical outreach.
The grand finale took place penultimate Sunday, beginning with 11:00a.m Holy Mass that witnessed the investiture of YCW patron, Sir Kingsley Ijomah, KSM and patroness, Lady Onyeka Agbaih (LAUX) by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Philip Uchendu with support of the Centre President, Uche Philomena Nwosu. Thereafter, the young workers gorgeously dressed in their anniversary Ankaras danced joyously to the altar for their 10th anniversary/Family harvest Thanksgiving and thereafter donated N500,000.00 for the ongoing parish projects. The reception of the anniversary commenced immediately after Mass at the parish ultramodern hall. The dignitaries that graced the occasion included Very Rev. Fr. Paul Anyansi (former Parish Priest and initiator, YCW, St. Peter Claver); Rev. Fr. Philip Uchendu; Fr. Martins Kefas, and the two other visiting priests. Others were Sir Kingsley Ijomah; Lady OnyekaAgbaih; Mrs. NonyeEgbuonu (pioneer president YCW, St. Peter Claver); Mr. Jude Njoku; Mr. Martins Nnanna; and some invited guests. The Centre President, Uche Nwosu in her welcome stated that the movement had come a long a way in the parish for the past 10 years and as such, calls for celebration.
Mrs. Nonye Egbuonu in her remark traced how the movement started in 2011 as Young Catholic Professional (YCP) which was initiated by Fr. Anyansi. She went further to say that a request was made by her and some of the other pioneer members to change the name from YCP to YCW; which was then granted in April, 2012. Again, the elections of the executives was held in 2012. Very Rev. Fr. Anyansi congratulated the YCW, on their 10th anniversaries. The former Parish Priest commended members of YCW for their efforts in the parish for these 10 years and advised married members to always uphold the sanctity and dignity of marriage. He prayed for the sustenance of married life and good life partners for the single members. The parish priest in his congratulatory message, showered encomiums on the YCW. He charged the YCW members to always be very proactive in their dealings and went on to advise that no member should be left behind; that all should be carried along. The celebration featured cutting of anniversary cake; fundraising for ongoing projects; American Auction Sales; and other side attractions.
