The Igbo Catholic Community of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Ovom, Yenagoa, Bayelsa state on Sunday rounded off its 2025 activities with a colourful Thanksgiving celebration marked by prayers, praise, and generous sharing of food and drinks.
The event, which attracted members from across Yenagoa, provided an opportunity for reflection on the outgoing year and renewed commitment to communal growth.
Speaking at the celebration, the Chairman, Chief Remigius, of the Igbo Catholic Community expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the members throughout the year. He described 2025 as a challenging but blessed period and urged all Igbos residing in Bayelsa State to continue upholding unity and peaceful coexistence.
“We thank God for how far He has brought us. It is by His grace that we are all alive and healthy. I encourage us to continue to support each other, live in peace, and stand together as one family,” he said. The Chairman also reiterated the importance of appreciating God publicly, adding that Thanksgiving remains a strong cultural and religious value among the Igbo people.
Earlier, the Vice Chairman, Mr. Uchegbu Joseph, delivered a goodwill message, urging members to build stronger networking systems within the church community. He lamented that at certain times when business opportunities arose, it became difficult identifying members who could provide professional services. According to him, stronger identification and interaction among members will boost mutual support and open doors for business partnerships.
“At a point, I searched for members for certain supplies and could not find anyone. We must know ourselves, interact, and collaborate. There are so many business opportunities around us but we miss them when we fail to connect,” he emphasized.
The event featured thanksgiving prayers, offertory, cultural songs, and dance performances. Parishioners later joined in a reception where assorted food and drinks were served.
Members described the gathering as an avenue to relax, celebrate achievements, and prepare spiritually and socially for the coming year. Many expressed optimism that 2026 will bring greater unity, increased membership, and more opportunities for development within the church community.
The Igbo Catholic Community meets monthly and participates actively in parish activities aimed at promoting faith, culture, and community bonding.
