The annual Cultural week of Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria, Immaculate heart of Mary Catholic Church Akwakuma, started on the 3rd of October with an awareness by the members of the Parish CYON on their cultural attire.
The following day, been the 4th of October, the CYON members were engaged with games activities as part of line up for the week. The games on display included Scrabble, Pick and Drop, drinking competition, Ayo and lots more.
Talk on "Iwa Oji" took the center stage on the 3rd day of the cultural week, as one of the organization's patrons, Sir Okey Anyanwu explained in details the age long procedure for the breaking of Kola nuts in Igbo land.
In the well attended lecture, he enumerated the importance of Oji in the Igbo tradition and the significance of nso Oji. He said "Oji has 3 types; Oji Igbo for celebrations in Igbo land, Oji Hausa also called gboro, and Oji Ugo".
He added that Oji can be replaced with Water, Nzu, garden egg or Achicha in the case where it is not available to present to visitors"
"Oji can be used to entertain visitors, make sacrifices and most importantly for peace accord" the esteemed patron noted.
The day 4 of the event featured football match amongst the female members of CYON in the Parish, the breath taking match ended in a draw.
The proceeding day featured adoration, confession and prayers as members went very spiritual.
The 4 groups in IHM CYON competed for the converted crown of the best Oha soup cook on the 5th day of the week.
St. Valentine, St. John, St Augustine and Paradise stars all took turns to showcase the stuff they are made off cooking wise.
After a rigorous cooking exhibition, and having taking turns to taste the various meals made by the groups,the judges announced St. Augustine's group as the winner of the competition.
On Saturday, the Youths embarked on clean up and arrangement for the grand finale holding on Sunday, the next day.
Launching of scaffolds on Sunday, was the climax of the week. The Sunday began with the youths coming out in their elegant attires. According to the CYON president, Bro Offor Gerald, the purpose of the launching of the scaffolds was necessary as it will assist in the maintenance of the church building and also serve as a source of income to the organization by hiring of the scaffolds.
Awards were given to deserving individuals who have in one way or the other impacted in the growth of CYON Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and the state at large.
The awards were categorized into three; the Star award, The Visionary leaders Award and The Pillar of CYON award (Exclusive for married people).
Speaking to our correspondence at the end of a very successful week, the visibly elated president of the organization, Bro Offor Gerald thanked God for the success of the event, He thanked specially the planing committee chairman and his members for all they sacrificed to ensure a successful week. He also appreciated the members for turning up. He said that the body will build on the gains achieved this year in the coming editions.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Akwakuma, Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria 2021 cultural week was officially closed by the Parish Priest Very Rev. Fr. Desmond Anukanti
