Ondo diocese dedicates new international school

In a glorious ceremony held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, the Ondo Diocese dedicated a new international school, Joan Day Nursery and Primary School. The dedication was anchored by the Lord Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen Adeniran Oni.

The new school, with modern facilities for qualitative education, is strategically located at Ondo-Ife road, directly opposite St. Joseph College (SJC) Ondo, and shares the same grounds as the Diocese Bishop's court.

During the dedication ceremony, Bishop Oni extolled the virtues of his predecessor and former Archbishop of Ondo Ecclesiastical Province, Most. Rev. Dr. George Latunji Lasebikan, who played a pivotal role in establishing the Diocesan Comprehensive College and raising it to an enviable standard while his amiable wife pivoted the Joan Day School.

The former Bishop's wife, Mrs. Esther Lasebikan, was instrumental in conceptualizing Joan Day Nursery and Primary School, which was championed by the women's organization during her tenure.

In his words, the Diocesan of Ondo, Oni remarked, "this is indeed the hands of God and not man. This project is beyond us but God gave the leading while we followed". He did not fail to appreciate his wife, Mama Ondo, Oyewola Blessing Oni, for her resilience and commitment to the women organization works which birthed the project. "My dear Oyewola, I want to categorically say this in public, I love you for all you do", Bishop Oni openly remarked.

The dedication ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including: Chief and Chief Mrs. Steve Akinretoye, Sir Chief Ayo Akingbule, Immediate Past Archbishop of Ondo Province, Most. Rev. Dr. Christopher Omotunde, and his amiable wife, the Bishop of the Diocese on the Coast and his wife, retired Bishops of Oke Osun Diocese, Rt. Rev. &Mrs. Nathaniel Fasogbon, Rt. Rev. Dr. & Mrs. Abraham Akinlalu, Dr. Kehinde Adenegan and host of others.

The women organization members were present in their numbers, fully dressed in blue and white. Many church chiefs were present and the priests were not left out as they were adorably dressed in their white cassocks, led by the church dignitaries in which the Dean of the Cathedral, Ven. Solomon Olumuyiwa Adeleye was among.

The ceremony was a testament to the unity and cooperation among the clergy and laity, with all the Joan Day Nursery and Primary School teachers adorned in beautiful dresses, ably led by Mrs. Ofelolorunfunmi.

This new international school is poised to provide quality education and shape the minds of future leaders.