By Nonye Ekwomadu
It hits differently when an entire community comes together to tell the world how inspiring someone can be. Saturday, the 7th of June 2025, was a typical rainy day in June. The rain was symbolic, signifying showers of blessings from the throne of the Almighty God. True to form, as an emblem of divine approval from above, it never deterred family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers who gathered to bear witness to the august occasion.
The gathering was the coronation of Reverend Sister Rosemary Etim, DHS (Daughters of the Holy Spirit), whom the autonomous King of Ilogbo (the Onilogbo), Oba (Barrister) Samuel Ojugbele, decorated as the “Mother of Children,” known in Yoruba parlance as “Erelu-Ewe.”
The celebrant, Rev. Sr. Rosemary Etim, is the Principal and Administrator of Marie Balavenne Catholic College and Holy Spirit Nursery and Primary School, Ilogbo, Asowo, in Sango Ota, Ogun State. The event commenced with the Oba reciting a glowing citation of the celebrant’s laudable service, followed by an opening prayer by Rev. Fr. Alphonsus Obiele MSP, the parish priest of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Ilogbo.
Adding further significance to the day was the presence of the outgoing Vice Provincial of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, Rev. Sister Anthonia Ayeni (DHS), alongside her councillors. Also present was the incoming Vice Provincial, Rev. Sr. Cynthia Azughara. The presence of the sisters was another testament to their community living. Their solidarity embodies the aphorism, “honour to one, honour to all.” The recognition is a shared honour for the entire community of DHS. The Ilogbo community felt honoured seeing them rising to the occasion in their numbers. Moreover, Sr. Rosemary Etim’s family members, parents of her students, friends, and other well-wishers who came to witness and celebrate this milestone added more life to the day.
Having seen the reason behind her choice as the “Erelu-Ewe,” this meritorious ceremony received a special nod from Rev. Fr. Oluwafemi Victor Orilua CSSp, the founder of Spiritans Sound Outreach. Being a beacon to the youth perfectly matches the mission of Spiritans Sound Outreach, the faith-based youth organisation where Rev. Sr. Rosemary Etim also serves as the Deputy Coordinator. The organisation is dedicated to tapping into and nurturing the God-given talents of young people, equipping them for service to God and humanity.
In other words, Spiritans Sound Outreach is committed to amplifying the talents and voices of the youth. In his reference to Sr. Etim, Rev. Fr. Oluwafemi Victor Orilua CSSp, currently working in the UK, hailed her humanitarian service. He said, “the title of ‘Erelu-Ewe,’ ‘Matron of the Youths,’ is a simple recognition of her moral leadership, mentorship, and nurturing influence on young people.” He further lauded her as a “motherly figure who blends spiritual formation with community values, serving as both an educator and a custodian of future generations.”
Some members of Spiritans Sound Outreach graced the occasion in a show of solidarity. Representing the group at the coronation was the Coordinator, Mr. Martin Eiche, who came in the company of the Ota Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Julius Oboh, and the Editorial Director of Treasures Unveiler Magazine, Mrs. Nonye Ekwomadu. Additionally, the programme was also covered by an Ogun State indigenous media outfit by the name Ask Radio 89.3 FM.
Coincidentally, the coronation came just after Sister Rosemary’s 19th year in dedicated service to God and the community. The penultimate event before this grand ceremony was a laudable attempt to attend to the medical needs of the people. The celebration of this milestone was marked by a two-day free medical outreach on the 5th and 6th of June 2025 within and outside the Babs Odukale and Meiran areas.
This healthcare outreach was in collaboration with Rotary Family Health Days (RFHD), under the aegis of the Rotary Action Group for Family Health and AIDS Prevention. Among the medical services rendered to the people of these communities were checks for blood pressure, temperature, and body mass index. Others included malaria tests for children and pregnant women, blood sugar tests for adults, HIV testing and counselling, prostate screening, hepatitis B and C tests, hepatitis B vaccination, eye tests and distribution of free glasses, and eye screening for glaucoma and cataract.
There was also free dental care, as well as the distribution of sanitary towels and mosquito nets for nursing mothers and pregnant women, while children were dewormed at no cost. The initiative catered to over a thousand members of the community, with plans underway for free treatment and surgeries at the Rotary Eye Hospital, a testament to Sister Rosemary’s unflinching commitment to service.
In the end, it was a day that shimmered with blessings, unity, and the undaunted spirit of selfless service. Sister Rosemary’s coronation as “Erelu-Ewe” not only crowned her years of dedicated service but also inspired many to let their own lights shine. May her journey continue to be a beacon of hope and a testament to what can be achieved when love meets leadership.
Long live Erelu-Ewe!
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