Starting with a Mass at 10 am at the Mary Help of Christians community chapel, the procession was led not only by the dutiful Altar Servers but also by the cultural dancers, adorned in colourful Nigerian traditional attires. Gracing this event and serving as the Homilist of the day, was Rev. Fr. Alphonse Owodou, the Salesian Regional for Africa and Madagascar. He described the Salesians as a big family that needs a head while working together and maintaining unity, and this was in response to the Gospel reading about the parable of the prodigal son.
Stressing on unity, he said “A house that is divided against itself will fall. A family must be united if you want it to stand. For me as a Regional, this Province brings hope. We have to show people that everything is possible if we are united by God.”
The Mass attained its peak when Rev. Fr. Jorge Mario Crisafulli was installed as the first Provincial of the Africa Nigeria-Niger (ANN) Province. Following this was the inauguration of his eight council members, and they are:
- Rev. Fr. Peter Morba: Vice Provincial
- Rev. Fr. Maximus Okoro: Economer and PDO Director
- Rev. Fr. Omoniyi Stephen: Salesians Missions Delegate
- Rev. Fr. Raphael Airoboman: Social Work and Children at risk
- Rev. Fr. James Ailen Oriafo: Youth Ministry
- Rev. Br. Samuel Job: Social Communications
- Rev. Fr. Ambrose Anene: Salesian Family
- Rev. Fr. Chikezie Ekugbah: Provincial Secretary
Gracing this Eucharistic Celebration was the Bishop of Kontagora Diocese: Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who enjoined all and sundry to work and cooperate with the Provincial and his Councilors. Also present was the outgoing Provincial of the AFW Province: Rev. Fr. Michael Karikunnel.
Immediately after Mass, the Bishop, Provincial, and Vice Provincial moved to the lawn of the new Provincial house and hoisted the Nigerian flag, the Niger flag, and the Vatican flag, followed by the unveiling of the province's plaque and logo.
The reception began with a dance entrance led by a group of traditional ogene music makers, ushering in the Provincial and his Council, now adorned in the Yoruba Traditional attire. The reception was quite the colourful Nigerian party as traditional dances were displayed, as well as funny stage dramas by the youths, and song renditions. The event came to an end with the cutting of the cake and the final blessings.
