Founder’s Day: M.O.D Drums Supports For Effectiveness

MEMBERS of the Lagos State Command of Man of Order and Discipline (MOD), a paramilitary organisation in the Catholic Church exhibited vigour and resilience recently during the celebration of the 2015 Founder’s Day of the organisation.

   The group, comprising men and women, boys and girls engaged in all kinds of displays typical of the armed forces at the expansive open field of St Mary’s Catholic Church, Ajegunle, in Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Lagos. Their wonderful display received applause from the audience in the hot sun. MOD is an optionally lay apostolate group in the Catholic Church, which is open to boys and girls that are 12 years old and above. It tends to supplement the efforts made to give children and students a religious training and upbringing.

   The organisation was founded in 1984 by Very Rev. Msgr. Patrick Achebe of the Onitsha Archdiocese and registered with the Ministry of Information, Youths, Sports and Culture in 1985. Achebe died on January 25, 1995 in a car accident, while on MOD assignment. Since then, the group has been holding the celebration in his memory nationwide.

   Speaking at the event, the chairman/General Officer Commanding, Lagos State Command of the organisation, MOD-Major Anthony Ezeokoye, commended the members for their resilience and tacit, as the group has made meaningful impact on the Catholic Church that cannot be ignored. 

   Said he: “We, as an organisation, registered with Federal Government under the Youth Council of Nigeria, but domiciled in the Catholic Church organisation in Nigeria. We are involved in every kind of sport and activity that brings youth together. We are active and participate in whatever youths are doing in conjunction with the Youth Council of Nigeria. We try as much as possible to empower our members as majority of youth members (boys) have joined the Army, Navy and Police among others through this association. We grow with faith in Christ, so whatever the Church is doing, we are following it up.”

   He called for more support from well-meaning Nigerians, irrespective of their faith and denomination, and to give optimal consideration to security. 

  “We implore every individual and group to assist the M.O.D in any way they can, to enable us discharge their duties very well, within and outside the church. M.O.D is challenged with many needs particularly our 2015 project tagged ‘M.O.D Project 2015.’ We need land to build our permanent secretariat, security vehicles like Toyota Hilux vans, Hummer Buses, Power bikes and other security gadgets that will enable us move swiftly whenever there is distress call and challenge anywhere,” he added.