CYON OTUKPO DEANERY BY-LAW

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND LEADERSHIP TRANSITION

OF THE CATHOLIC YOUTH ORGANIZATION OF NIGERIA (CYON)

OTUKPO DEANERY

Otukpo Deanery started way back into the 80's when the Church was still under the Makurdi Diocese and was recognized as Otukpo Zone of the Catholic Youth Club (CYC), covering the entire Idoma region under the leadership of Bro. Mark Oche who led from (1985-1992).He acted as both the Provincial and Diocesan President of the Catholic Youth Club (CYC), (as it was then called), and took the Diocese/Province to the 1st ever National Youth Congress at Ogoja, Cross River State in (1986), where the Umbrella name: Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON) was adopted. He served for eight (8) years and handed over the affairs of the Otukpo Zone of the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON) to Late. Bro. Austine Iduh popularly known as "Church of Chop" whose tenure started from (1992-1994). He in turn handed over to Bro. Edoh J. J. Omafu who led from (1994-1999), as the last President of CYON Otukpo Zone.

Upon the creation of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo in (1995), the Otukpo Zone had other Zones created from it with Coordinators. The Coordinators were appointed to manage it's affairs. Bro. Joshua Ameh was saddled with the responsibility of coordinating Otukpo Zone for months till the official pronouncement and creation of Deaneries on 3rd June 1996 by the Late. Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Fidelis Oga Orgah. The Late Bishop in his pronouncement created Utonkon Deanery, Oju Deanery, Otukpa Deanery, Ugbokolo Deanery, Adoka Deanery, Ogobia Deanery and Otukpo Deanery. All these Deaneries were carved out of Otukpo Zone, making Bro. Joshua Ameh the official Pioneer President of Otukpo Deanery on his elevation from being a Coordinator to a President in (1996). He spent a short period of less than a year as President and was succeeded by Bro. Obande Fred Mike from January, (1997-1999). 

Bro. Obande Fred Mike in turn handed over the Leadership of the Deanery to Late Bro. Raphael Edache who led from (1999-2000). After a lingering crisis, Bro. Richard Okwu was elected and he ruled from (2000-2004). He in turn handed over to Bro. Emmanuel Adeyi Adeka whose reign lasted four years from (2004-2007). Bro. Ogwuche Peter then took over mantel of the leadership of the Deanery from (2007-2012) and handed over to Bro. Lawrence Audu Ekagbo who led from (2012-2020). Bro Lawrence Audu Ekagbo handed over the mantle of leadership to Bro. Garba Thunder Ijele under whom this brief historical exploration is being embarked upon.

The Deanery is currently made up of the following Churches/Parishes with St. Mary as the Mother Parish and St. Francis as the seat of the Bishop.

St. Mary's Pro- Cathedral Federal Road

St. Francis Cathedral Federal Road

St. Augustine's Parish Igbanor'Nmaje

St. Anthony's Parish Sabon-Gari

St. Jude's Parish Zone H. B

St. Ann's Chaplaincy G. R. A

St. Rita's Mission Sabon-Gari

St. John-Vianny Mission Asa (II) 

St. Monica's Mission Otada

Divine Mercy Mission Ampia

St. Agatha's Ochitto-Ghana

This brief history is to remind all CYONITES in our Dear Deanery of our journey so far. It has been made part and parcel of our By-law to help us preserve it permanently for generations yet unborn in Otukpo Deanery and beyond. 

PREAMBLE

We the members of the catholic youth organization of Nigeria (CYON), “Otukpo Deanery”, are determined to protect the Catholic faith and conscious of the role of the youth in the development of the church and our commitment to foster the growth of the church hereby make for ourselves this By-law which is binding on all members of “CYON Otukpo Deanery”,

SUPREMACY OF THIS BYE-LAW:

This Bye-Law is Subordinate to the supremacy of God's words through the instrumentality of the Apostolic teachings laid down by our Lord Jesus Christ and it draws her strength from the Church's Laws and Doctrines, the CYON National Constitution, the Provincial Bye-law and the Diocesan Bye-law. It is committed to foster unity and Progress among the youth of the Catholic Church in Otukpo Deanery.

“It shall be lamp to guide us and light for our paths” (psalms119:10)

SECTION 1-

NAME AND SLOGAN

a. The organization was named Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON) Otukpo Deanery.

b. The slogan/mode of greeting shall be “FOR GOD AND FOR YOUTH”.

c. Response to 1.b shall be “THROUGH CHRIST”

d. The motto of the Organization shall be “LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE” (MATT. 5:16).

SECTION 2-

MISSION

The organization is committed to:

A. Help the youth of Otukpo Deanery become closer to God through practicing Christ-like attitude.

B. Providing a ministry of information that helps bring youth to their full human potentials.

C. Help promote peace, unity and better understanding among the entire CYONITES in Otukpo Deanery and beyond.

D. Providing opportunity for youth to develop strong, moral character, self esteem and leadership qualities through activities, which could be; "social, spiritual, educational, recreational and athletic in nature".

E. Help the CYONITES of Otukpo Deanery participate in the development of our Church through the Otukpo Deanery (CYON).

F. Help inculcate the sound practice of our Catholic doctrines and traditions.

2.1 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES.

The aims and objectives of the organization are:

I. Guiding the young Catholics to live a Christian life from a young age

II. To improve knowledge and intelligence of the youth

III. To know any other things which the organization may deem necessarily, wise or expedient for achieving her aims and objectives

SECTION 3-

MEMBERSHIP

3.1. Membership of the organization shall be open to any Baptised practicing Catholic.

A. Who is fifteen years old or any young adult who has the interest of the youth at heart “clerics/laity” from the various Parishes, Missions, Chaplaincies Band Outstations duly registered with the Otukpo Deanery (CYON).

B. Who has minimum of primary school certificate and a maximum of Doctor of philosophy (PhD), who avails him or herself to attend the Deanery functions like; (Prayer Meeting, Bible Studies, Congress Meetings, Vigils and others).

3.2. For any person to be registered/admitted into the organization, he/she shall:

A. Attend any of the monthly third Sunday meetings of the organization with his/her fellow members at the given venue within the Deanery.

B. Shall be confirmed to have undergone three (3) months probation in his/her Church/Parish during which he/she shall be observed and giving orientation about the organization and registered duly according to the lay-down Bye-law.

3.3 Any intending member who is adjudged to have completed his/her probation in line with their guidelines shall:

a. Be duly registered

b. Pay for a membership card.

c. Buy a copy of the by-law.

d. Be encouraged to pay for the organization’s national I.D card.

The amount for the above are subject to changes base on inflationary trend. 3.4. Any newly registered member who pretends to have the organization‘s interest at heart at the time of registration but changed immediately after been registered shall have his or her registration revoked.

3.5. He/she shall be made to go back and undergo probation for another three months in his/her Church/Parish; no appeal shall be accepted.

[NOTE: membership is categorized into three (3):

A. Regular; members staying within Otukpo town and are regular in attendance to functions.

B. Distance; members staying outside Otukpo town and are not sure of getting back home soon, who have stated it through writing.

C. Non-financial; members who are; 

I. clerics/religious

ii. Mentally unstable

iii. Sick for over six (6) months.

SECTION 4-

TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP.

Termination of membership is possible when:

I. A member tendered a resignation letter, which must be approved by his/her Church executive which will in turn write to the Deanery executive as to why such a letter should be approved.

II. A member who absents himself/herself from the organization’s activities in the Deanery and Church/Parish for a period of six (6) months without permission from his/her Church’s/Parish’s executives or through writing an official letter to the Deanery (CYON).

III. A member who fails to fulfill his/her financial obligations for a period of six (6) months in his/her Church/Parish and in the Deanery shall be considered as a non-member.

IV. A member who is registered, but found not to be of the faith, or Spirituality and has a morally unacceptable character by the executive/members shall be expelled.

V. A member registered, but is found to plan for the downfall of the Deanery by; (conspiring to withdraw Church/Parish from the

VI. Deanery or utter words capable of bringing disunity among executive/members of the Deanery).

VII. The above are subject to changes base on administrative style.

SECTION: 5-

5.0 MONTHLY ACTIVITIES:

A. First Tuesdays/Wednesdays–Executive Meetings by 4pm prompt.

B. First Thursdays–General Expanded Meeting with Delegates by 4pm prompt.

C. Third Sundays-Prayer meeting, Bible study or Congress meeting by 2pm, on a rotational bases.

Note; The above are subject to changes base on activities in trend.

5.3. The executives have the power to fix or cancel any of the activities if deemed necessary.

5.4. An approved fine shall be placed by the executives on members who fail to attend the activities.

SECTION 6

6.0. (I) CHAPLAIN

6.0.I (A) CHAPLAIN/CHAPLAINS

A Chaplain is a Priest to who is entrusted with the pastoral responsibility of caring for a group in the Catholic Church, he provides guidance and mentorship to the group, and helps guide their affairs in line with the mind and mandate of the church’s faith.

Deanery Chaplain and Chaplains;

(I) The Deanery Chaplain is the Priest assigned by the Bishop through the Dean of the Deanery to guide the affairs of the organization in the Deanery.

(II) The entire Priests in-charge of (CYON) affairs in Outstations, Chaplancies, Missions and Parishes in the Deanery all constitute the collage of Chaplains in the Deanery.

(III) The Chaplain is consulted on issues bothering the Organisation and act as it's Spiritual Director at all instance.

(IV) The Chaplains mediate between the Organisation and the entire Church, Bishop, Priest, and all church Councils in the interest of growth and development.

6.0.I (B) ELECTED OFFICERS

The Organization shall have the following as her elected officials for the executive running of the affairs of the Organization in Otukpo Deanery through elections:

1. President

2. Vice-President

3. General Secretary

4. Assistant General Secretary

5. Treasurer

6. Financial Secretary

7. Public Relations Officer (P.R.O)

8. Provost (I)

9. Provost (II)

(II) APPOINTED OFFICERS

The Organization shall have the following appointed as officers: Director/Secretary, Coordinator/Secretary or Chairman/Secretary of Committees to help the executives in the running of the affairs of the Organization through appointments;

*.Ex-official

*Bible Study/Prayer meeting Director and Secretary

*Director of Socio and Secretary

*Sports Director and Secretary

*Welfare Director/Chairman and Secretary

*Works/Farm Director/ Chairman and Secretary

*Project Director/Chairman and Secretary

*Financial Committee Director and Secretary

*Audit Director/Chairman and Secretary

Note: Master and Miss CYON Otukpo Deanery are Ad-hoc Executives and shall emerge after a keenly contested beauty pageant competition is organized by the Deanery.

ELECTED OFFICERS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

6.1. THE PRESIDENT SHALL;

A. Preside over meetings and projects as the Chief executive of the Deanery except when advisors occupy the chair.

B. Present to the executives his plans or the progress of the organization and the objective to be achieved within the year or tenure of office.

C. Direct the secretary–general or P.R.O to call for meetings when the need arise.

D. Represent the Organization in External meetings as the Chief spokesman.

E. Approve every executive committee, endorse, vet or approve all expenditures to be made by anyone and be compulsory signatory to the bank account.

F. Append his/her signature on all adopted reports, documents and minutes.

6.2. THE VICE–PRESIDENT SHALL:

A. Perform all the function of the president in his/her absence

B. Perform any other duty assigned to him/her by the President

6.3.THE SECRETARY-GENERAL SHALL:

A. Be responsible for all correspondence on behalf of the organization.

B. keep and maintain up-to-date minutes of the general house

C. Read minutes of the previous meeting to the hearing of all the general house during the meeting

D. Be a signatory to the bank account

E. Represent the Organization in External meetings along with the President when need be

F. Perform any other duty assigned to him/her by the President

6.4. ASSISTANT SECRETARY-GENERAL SHALL:

A. Take the minutes of the executive meeting

B. Act in like manner to 

6.3 (a-f), in the absence of the secretary general.

6.5.THE TREASURER SHALL:

A. Within five days of receiving an income lodge the same into the organization’s account and keep an impress Cash not exceeding five thousand naira only (N5000)

B. Release money for all approved expenditures

C. Keep and maintain accurate records of all income and expenditure

D. Be a compulsory signatory to the organization’s account.

E. Handover all books/monetary documents to the financial Secretary or President when they are needed or when leaving the town for up to one month.

F. Perform any other duty assigned to him/her by the President.

6.6. THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SHALL:

A. Collect and record any sum of money paid to the purse in meetings and handover same to the treasurer within 24hrs Issue receipts of all payment made.

B. Update the financial record/account which shall be made available to the auditors on the approval of the executives.

C. Prepare, read out and submit financial report at every quarter, showing the previous balance, income during the monthly meetings, expenditure, balance at hand and balance at the bank.

D. May be a signatory to the organization’s account (If need be).

E. Perform any other duty assigned to him/her by the President

6.7. THE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER (PRO)/PROVOST SHALL:

A. Act as a channel of communication between the executives and the members

B. Notify members of meetings

C. Be in-charge of all fines which shall be handed over to the financial secretary at the end of the meeting.

D. Ensure that meetings are held in a peaceful manner.

E. Perform any other duty assigned to him/her by the President

6.7. EX-OFFICIAL

a. He/She shall be the immediate past President or Vice President who is not re-elected into any other post in the new election in the Deanery.

b. Shall be appointed after the general election with the approval of the general executives.

c. Shall lend advice to the executives on the methods of running the Organization (if needed).

d. Shall be co-opted as a member of the new executive committee.

SECTION 7

7.0. THE EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS

7.1. FUNCTION OF THE EXECUTIVE SHALL BE

A. To supervise and manage affairs, funds and any project of the organization in the Deanery.

B. To take all necessary steps that will ensure members/executive act in accordance with the Organisation's provisions and function in the provision of this by-law and other adopted laws.

C. To set up any business that is lawful in furtherance of the aims and objectives of the Deanery.

D. To establish sub-committee/Ad-hoc committees when necessary with written terms and conditions of the reference given to them for the smooth running of the organization.

7.3. THE ELECTED OFFICERS SHALL:

A. Appoint directors, Coordinators and Chairman of the welfare committee, sub-committees and ad-hoc committees

B. Take all necessary steps to ensure that the appointed officers work within the terms of reference given to them.

C. Have the power to drop any or all of the appointed officers

D. Have the power to suspend or expel any member who flouts the order within the Otukpo Deanery CYON.

E. Have the power to invite any member for interrogation for necessary action within the Deanery.

SECTION 8 

8.0 TENURE OF OFFICE

8.1. The tenure of office for elected officers shall be for a term of four years stretch in one instance as recommended by CBCN.

8.2. No officer shall be re-elected for a second term in the same office.

8.3. However an officer who has served but stayed out of office for four years is qualified to stand for election into the same office.

SECTION 9

9.0. ELECTION AND CONDUCT

9.1. General election shall be conducted once in four years at the end of tenure.

9.2. AT THE END OF TENURE;

Electoral commission shall be appointed to conduct and monitor the election procedures in Collaboration with the Chaplain and the election secular passed by the Diocese through the Deanery Laity Council.

Only registered executives from within the Deanery who are up-to-date members shall be appointed into the electoral commission as members. They shall not vote or be voted for.

9.3. Any executive member that has not been in the organization for up to twelve months (1year) in his/her Church/Parish is not qualified to be nominated as a candidate.

9.4. Only executive members who are active and financially up-to-date in their Church/Parish and at the Deanery level shall vote and be voted for.

9.5. There shall be no canvassing for votes.

9.6. Voting shall be by open ballot system (OBS) and the person with the highest votes wins.

9.7.BY-ELECTION-

Perchance an officer dies or is incapable of continuing in an office by reason  of removal, resignation, transfer, mental or physical illness or any other cause, the post of such an officer shall be occupied by the assistant. However, if there is no assistant, in the interim the executive shall appoint someone to fill the vacant office pending when a by-election shall be conducted in any of the monthly Delegates general meeting of the organization in the Deanery.

SECTION 10

10.0 DIRECTORS, COORDINATORS, CHAIRMEN, COMMITTEES AND COMMITTEE SECRETARIES.

10.1 Directors/Secretaries

The Directors and Secretaries which shall be appointed are:

1. Bible Study/Prayer meeting Director and Secretary

i. They shall direct spiritual activities like bible study/prayer meeting.

ii. Ensure that opening and closing prayer is said and reflection giving in every activity of the organization in the Deanery.

iii. The committee shall act in accordance with the directives of the executives by furnishing the organization with a monthly progress report.

iv. Shall be in-charge of all Prayer meeting/Bible studies and its Direction within the Deanery.

v. They shall perform any other duty assigned to them by the President.

A.2. Pastoral/Spiritual Committee

This committee will be headed by the Chaplain who is the immediate Chief spiritual director of Otukpo Deanery (CYON) as Chaplain holding brief for the Bishop who is the Chief shepherd of the Diocese in all spiritual and liturgical matters in the Deanery and Diocese at large. However the Chaplain shall direct the spirituality of the Deanery;

The Spiritual committee shall comprise the Chaplain, Deanery Bible Coordinator and Secretary along with all Prayer coordinators within the Deanery.

i. The Bible study and Prayer meetings coordinators or directors and secretary shall hold meetings to furnish the Deanery with reports/updates when requested by the executives.

ii. The director and secretary shall meet with all Bible study and Prayer meetings coordinators from across the Deanery to plan Spiritual Programmes.

iii. The Director, Secretary and all Prayer Coordinators shall be in consultation with the Chaplain and the executives to plan and host spiritual programmes at intervals as will be approved by the Executives in her meeting.

A. Sports/Games Director and Secretary

i. They shall be in-charge of games equipment and materials

ii. Organize games practice and competitions within and outside the Deanery.

iii. Be in-charge of practice and training selections.

iv. Shall be in-charge of all Sports Directors within the Deanery and along with them shall form the Deanery sports committee.

v. Perform any other duty assigned to them by the President.

B. Social Director/Director of Socio and Secretary

i. They shall be in-charge of the social Committee in the Deanery.

ii. Shall report updates of the organization’s activities on the Social media.

iii. Shall be responsible for all social activities within the Deanery.

iv. Shall make plans in consultation with the executive for other social functions like end of the year together celebration.

v. The committee shall act in accordance with the directives of the executives by furnishing the organization with a monthly progress report.

vi. Shall be in charge of all Social Directors within the Deanery and work along with the Director of Socio on Social Media.

vii. Shall celebrate members celebrating Birthdays/success using the social media and putting up topics for discussion on the social media page of the Deanery and beyond.

viii. Perform any other duty assigned to them by the President.

C. Welfare committee Director/Chairman and Secretary

i. The welfare committee shall be headed by a Chairman and a Secretary.

ii. The welfare committee shall be in-charge of all welfare Directors within the Deanery.

iii. The welfare committee shall be responsible for the spiritual and physical welfare of the members like:

Weak and lukewarm Members visitation.

Sick member's visitation.

iv. The Deanery shall advice Churches/Parishes to organizing special/love offertory for any member or members who has/have been hospitalized due to a critical health condition for more than three days in their Churches/Parishes.

v. Shall instruct her Parish/Church welfare officers to carry out bereaved member's visitation.

vi. The committee shall act in accordance with the directives of the executives by furnishing the organization with a monthly progress report.

vii. Perform any other duty assigned to them by the President.

D. Works/ Farm Director and Secretary

I. They shall be responsible for coordinating all works/ farming activities in the Deanery.

ii. Decides when and where to site Deanery farm within the Deanery with the approval of the Executives.

III. Assign farm portion to individuals who are given task.

IV. Make plans in consultation with the executive.

The committee shall be in-charge of all works/farm Directors within the Deanery.

V. The committee shall act in accordance with the directives of the executives by furnishing the organization with the monthly progress report.

VI. Perform any other duty assigned to them by the President.

E. Project Director and Secretary

i. They shall come up with approved project script/proposal.

ii. Decide when and where to site projects within the Deanery.

iv. Assign duties to committees and individuals who are given task.

v. Make plans in consultation with the executive.

vi. The committee shall be in-charge of all project Directors within the Deanery.

vii. The committee shall act in accordance with the directives of the executives by furnishing the organization with the monthly progress report.

viii. Perform any other duty assigned to them by the President.

E. Financial Committee/Chairman and Secretary

i. They shall be in-charge of the organization’s quarterly Dues during the Deanery Quarterly meeting.

ii. They shall meet with the Deanery’s treasurer and financial Secretary from time to time to discuss on best financial practices.

III. They shall be headed by the Treasurer and Financial Secretary of the Deanery along with all Financial Secretaries or Treasurers from Parishes/Churches within Otukpo Deanery as members.

iv. They shall along with the audit committee go through the records of committees, directors and Churches/Parishes records when need be.

E. Audit Committee/Chairman and Secretary

i. They shall see through the record of the organization yearly.

ii. They shall vet/ask for an up-to-date analyses of financial details.

iii. Look through the records of committees, directors, financial secretary and treasurer from time to time.

iv. Make necessary recommendations and give advice to all financial holders.

v. The committee shall act in accordance with the directives of the executives by furnishing the organization with an annual progress report.

vi. The committee shall be a standing committee whose responsibilities shall be terminated at the end of every tenure and/or assignment as approved by the executive/members in a general delegates meeting.

F. Master and Miss CYON Otukpo Deanery

F.(I) Functions of Master and Miss CYON Otukpo Deanery

1. Shall be worthy ambassadors of the Deanery in all events.

2. Shall have a visible pet-project within the Deanery before the end of their reign as crown King and Queen of the Deanery.

3. Shall at all times act as image makers of the Deanery by promoting the Deanery’s identity.

4. Shall work with all Standing Committees, Directors and the Welfare to organize welfare packages for members of our dear Deanery.

5. Shall assist the Financial Secretary in times of registration and financial computations (if needed).

F. (II) Benefit to Master and Miss CYON Otukpo Deanery

I. The Organization shall sponsor both of them to programmes within and outside Otukpo town.

II. The executives shall in all instance of contest collaborate with the organizing committee to present a tangible gift to the two winners.

III. The two shall from the day of their crowning be declared as executive members for the period of their reign as Master and Miss CYON in the Deanery.

G. AD-HOC Committee

1. Shall be setup to handle specific duties when the need arises.

2. Members shall be appointed in a general meeting.

3. Member shall be given a written guideline base on the nature of responsibility bestowed on them.

4. The committee shall cease to exist at the end of its assignment or if it fails in her duties.

I. Disciplinary Committee

The executive shall with the Chaplain look into all cases of indiscipline and give necessary punishments as commensurate to the gravity of the offence committed.

SECTION 11 (A)

THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The executive committee/executives shall consist of

A. All elected officers

B. All directors appointed by the elected officers

C. All appointed delegates

D. All Ad-hoc committees constituted

E. Welfare chairman/secretary and their entire committee members

SECTION 11 (B)

TERMINATION OF OFFICE

11.1. An officer shall cease to hold an office if he/she:

11.2. Dies.

11.3. Resigns.

11.4. Is physically or mentally unable to discharge his/her duties.

11.5. Has a vote of no confidence passed on him/her by a two-third majority of members present at a general delegates meeting.

11.6. Ceased to be a member of the Catholic Church.

11.7. Is convicted of criminal offences.

11.8. Utters or conducts himself/herself in a way considered to be against or in consistent with catholic fundamental doctrines.

11.9. Acts in a manner likely to bring the name of the Organization to disrepute.

11.10. Flouts the constitutional guidelines of the Organization.

11.11. Spreads false information or propaganda capable of causing disorderliness in the Organization.

11.12. Is found to have stopped any member, individual or group of individuals from associating with the Deanery in any case whatsoever.

11.13. Defrauds the Organization of her property or money.

11.14. Is reported and confirmed to have been suspended or expelled from any Church/Parish within and outside the Deanery.

SECTION 12

12.0 FINANCE

12.1 Every member shall pay a quarterly subscription (dues) which shall be determined and fixed from time to time by the general delegates on the recommendation of the executives.

12.2 The organization shall in her discretion device other ways/means of raising funds in addition to the quarterly subscription.

12.3 Any member who absents him/herself from any activity scheduled by the Deanery without permission shall pay twice the minimum amount levied for such function.

12.4 Any member who absents him/herself from any physical or financial function scheduled by the Deanery for a period of over six month without permission shall be denied any benefit from the Deanery.

12.5 Member (Regular or Distance) shall each pay quarterly/annual levy otherwise known as Deanery quarterly Dues/levy as recommended by the Deanery welfare committee.

12.6 The organization shall open and maintain a saving account with any reputable bank in Otukpo town. All monies accruing to the organization shall be lodged into the said account.

12.7 The signatories to the said account shall be the President, Secretary and Chaplain/Treasurer.

12.8 The President and any other two signatories shall be sufficient authority to operate the account.

12.9 (A) the executive shall give a comprehensive financial report at least twice (every 6 month) in a year.

12.10 The organization shall pay to the Deanery Laity council a quarterly subscription as recommended by the council’s Executives.

SECTION13

13.0 GENERAL MEETING AND REGULATIONS:

13.1 EXECUTIVE MEETING AND EXECUTIVES

A. The general executive meeting of the Deanery executive committee shall be once (First Tuesdays/Wednesdays) in every month by 4pm prompt.

B. The executives are all duly elected officials of the Deanery, all appointed officers and all Ad-hoc and Ad-hoc committees members.

C. The Deanery executives shall however reserve the right to call for emergency meeting at anytime.

13.2. DEANERY DELEGATES AND GENERAL DELEGATES MEETING

The general expanded delegate's executive meeting of the Deanery with the executive committee shall be;

a. (First Thursdays) in every month by 4pm prompt and it shall be on rotational bases.

b. Each Church Station, Chaplaincy, Mission, Parish and Cathedral Parish shall send four delegates each to represent them.

c. The meeting shall be on a rotational bases with the host Parish being expected to host the Deanery with Drinks and Snacks.

d. Parish executive who emerge as Deanery executive shall seize to be delegate for his/her Church/Parish and such Church/Parish is expected to replace such an individual within one month as he/she shall no longer be counted as her delegate.

e. Each Church/Parish President is expected to give Prior notice and Announcement to his Parish Priest/Chaplain, Council(s), Patrons/Patroness(es) and Church/Parish days before the arrival of the Deanery for meeting, prayer/bible study and Congress.

f. The Delegates are expected to report back to their Church/Parish on the progress made at the Deanery and act as feedback links for the Deanery as well by publishing quarterly progress report about their respective Church/Parish.

g. The Deanery executives shall however reserve the right to call for emergency meeting of all delegates at any point in time depending on the situation at hand.

QUORUMS: A quorum shall be formed when five out of nine (5/9) of the executive committee and other standing committees are in attendance.

13.3 OTUKPO DEANERY CONGRESS MEETING

a. The general expanded meeting of the Deanery with all members of (CYON) within Otukpo Deanery shall be (Third Sundays Quarterly) by 2pm prompt and it shall be on rotational bases.

b. The Church/Parish President is expected to give Prior notice and Announcement to their Parish Priest/Chaplain, Council(s), Patron(s)/Patroness(es) and Church/Parish days before the arrival of the Deanery for Congress meeting.

c. The Deanery executives shall however reserve the right to call for emergency meeting of all members at any point in time depending on the situation at hand.

13.4 The meetings shall be Presided over by the President, the Vice president or any other member duly appointed by the general house in absence of the President, and schedules meeting.

13.5 Attendance to meeting is compulsory to all executive and Delegate members.

13.6 A member who fails to come to meeting should inform the house through writing or verbal correspondence.

13.7 Late coming and noise making is prohibited. Offenders shall be fined at the recommendation of the President or presiding officer.

13.8 Staying outside or leaving the meeting venue without due permission  shall attract any disciplinary action as deem fit by the presiding officer.

13.9 Any member(s)/executive member(s) or Church/Parish delegate member(s) who is not up-to-date financially and in attendance to general delegates’ meeting/Congress for three months shall be served a warning letter by the Deanery.

13.10 Any member who shows persistence in absenteeism at the general delegates’ meeting or general Quarterly Congress meeting after been served warning letter shall have His/her membership terminated.

13.11 In view of section 13, sub-section (9-10), to regain membership of the organization, such member shall

i. Write apology letter to the general house for acceptance by all present at the meeting

ii. Present a letter of undertaking to the general house.

iii. Pay all debts owed the organization before his/her termination of membership.

v. Re-register with the Deanery.

SECTION 14

14.0 Moral Behaviour and Mode of Dressing

14.1 Any member(s) caught/known to be involved in any immoral act(s) within or outside the Deanery that is capable of tarnishing the image of the organization shall be subject to suspension or expulsion, depending on the decision of the executives.

14.2 Any member who gets pregnant or impregnates a girl within or outside the organization without any legal marriage shall be suspended or expelled by his/her Church/Parish, depending on the decision of their executives.

14.3 Any member(s) who aborts or aids in procuring abortion or directly procured abortion shall be invited by the executives and if found guilty of perpetually doing this, she/he shall be suspended or expelled by his/her Church/Parish depending on the decision of their executives.

14.4 (a) Any female member seen/caught wearing unworthy trousers or mini/micro skirt or clothing material that does not justify the person as a Christian shall be warned.

(b) If she persists after been warned, she shall be suspended or expelled accordingly by his or her Church’s/Parish’s executive.

NOTE: Games' wear during games is exception.

(c) Excessive make-ups (E.G. face, lips and nails) by female members is prohibited.

14.5 (a) any male member(s) seen/caught with any hairstyle that is not worthy of the Christian faith shall be warned. If he does not change, he shall be suspended depending on the decision of the executives.

(b) Immodest fashion and attires (e.g earring, chains, tattoos, and body hugs e.t.c.) by male members is be prohibited.

14.6 Any member(s) caught involved in any act of character assassination/defamation, slanderous or malicious gossiping against fellow Deanery members shall be summoned before the executives and punished accordingly in consultation with his/her resident Church/Parish executives and the Chaplain.

14.7 Any member found guilty of insulting or fighting fellow member before/during any of our Deanery function shall appear before the executives.

14.8 Any member caught in any act of blasphemy or destructive criticism of the teachings and doctrines of the Catholic faith incessantly shall be suspended or expelled depending on the decisions of the executive.

14.9 Any member(s) caught in the act of smoking before/during any Deanery function (cigarette, or Indian hemp) or taking any hard drugs shall be suspended. If such member fails to change, he/she shall be expelled in consultation with his/her resident Church/Parish executives and the Chaplain.

SECTION15

15.0 UNIFORM

15.1 The organization's uniform shall be

 A. Male members-Deanery T-shirt (without extra-stripe/design) upon a pair of black trouser (without stripe/design)

B. Female members-Deanery T-shirt (without extra stripe/design) upon black skirt (without stripe or design)

C. Male members-White long sleeve shirt (without stripe/design) upon a pear of black trouser (without stripe/design)

D. Female members-white long sleeve shirt (without stripe/design) upon black skirt (without stripe or design)

E. Male/Female members will be permitted to use the (CYON WRAPPER) on any day the Deanery so chose to use it as alternative.

Any change in the uniform must be communicated to the members by the executives.

15.2 The uniform shall be worn on every Quarterly meeting, and any other function(s) as approved by the executives.

15.3 Uniform defaulters during meetings/Deanery functions shall be penalized in accordance with the decision of the presiding officer.

NOTE: The executives are at the discretion of allowing the use of more than a uniform at a meeting or Programmes.

SECTION 16

16.0 MEMBERS BENEFITS

16.1 LIFE BENEFITS

16.2 MARRIAGES/CHURCH WEDDING:

a. The organization shall attend members' traditional marriage or church wedding.

b. Each Church/Parish shall pay a marriage levy of five hundred naira only (N500) and the Deanery shall add up one thousand naira only (N1000) towards the marriage/wedding.

c. The sum collected from the above levies shall be used for the purchase of a gift to be presented at the marriage/wedding reception.

d. The Deanery shall present a certificate of membership to any member who is qualified and a certificate of Worthy Stewardship to any qualify executive member who is getting married and is been honoured by the Deanery.

e. The member shall be responsible for gruel or soft drinks depending on the individual’s financial strength.

16.3 CONDITIONS FOR HONOURING MARRIAGE/WEDDING INVITATIONS:

The Deanery shall honour a member's marriage/wedding on the condition that;

I. A marriage/wedding notice is served the executive three (3) months prior to the marriage/wedding date.

ii. A marriage/wedding invitation card is given to the general house a month prior to the marriage/wedding date.

iii. The member shall be at least one (1) year registered in the activities/functions of the Deanery.

iv. The member must be active and participatory in the activities/functions of the Deanery.

v. The member shall be financially-up-to-date in the organization.

vi. The member shall be financially-up-to-date in his/her home Church/Parish (CYON).

16.4 DEATH BENEFITS:

(a) On the death of a Deanery member,

a. The Deanery shall have a minute Silence prayers said at any of her function in honour of the deceased member.

b. The Deanery shall send delegates to join the bereaved Church/Parish to observe an all night wake-keep in the house of the deceased member.

c. The sum of two thousand naira (N2000) shall be provided to the deceased family members by the Deanery with each individual Church/Parish supporting the Deanery with the sum of one thousand naira (N1000) each, as contribution for the purchase of coffin/casket.

d. Delegates shall be sent to represent the Deanery at a burial of a deceased member taking place within or outside Otukpo town.

e. The Deanery shall book Holy Mass and encourage all Parish/Church to do same to pray for the soul of the deceased member.

f. The Deanery shall organize a condolence visit to the bereaved member’s family, whatever amount is realized in the course of the visit shall be given to the bereaved member’s family.

g. The above mentioned benefits (life and death) shall only be enjoyed by a member who is actively involved with the organization in his/her Church/Parish and the Deanery by being financially up to date, punctual and regular in the organizations scheduled activities (E.g. Quarterly Congress meeting, Monthly general Delegates meetings of Deanery Representatives, bible study, prayer meetings, vigils, condolence visits, e.t.c).

h. On the event of death of member’s relative, Parent, Brother and Sister, (Biological) the Church/Parish of such member shall take responsibility.

SECTION17

17.0 APPOINTMENT OF PATRONS/GIVEN OF AWARDS

17.1 PATRON SAINT

The Patron Saint of the African youth is St. Charles Lwanga, and he is the Patron Saint of Otukpo Deanery (CYON).

17.2 PATRONS/PATRONESS

i. Only Catholics who are exemplary/outstanding in the practice of the Catholic faith shall be appointed as patrons and patronesses/matrons to the organization.

ii. On appointment of a patron/patroness, the Deanery shall write a confirmatory letter of appointment to the appointees.

iii. She/he shall offer Motherly and Fatherly advice to the Deanery from time to time, (if needed).

17.3 GIVEN OF AWARDS

i. With the approval of the executives, the Deanery shall give awards to persons whose services are adjudged to have contributed immensely to the fulfillment of her aims and objectives.

ii. A committee shall be setup to screen any award/honour-deserving members with the final approval from the executives.

The award shall hold at every end of year get-to-gether of the organization or in any occasion that the Deanery deems fit.

17.4 CELEBRATIONS

Any Station, Mission, Chaplaincy, Parish or Member in festive mood may invite members of the Deanery to join him/her if she/he wants to do so. Example; (Birthday, Naming Ceremony, Graduation and any other occasions that calls for celebration).

SECTION 18

18.0 INTERPRETATION/AMENDMENT

18.1 Without prejudice to anyone, the provision of this By-law shall be interpreted in a Christian way to suit, not the individual dealing with it, but the entire youths of the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria, Otukpo Deanery.

NOTE; This bye-law is Supreme over all other CYON By-laws of Church(es)/Parish(es) within Otukpo Deanery.

18.2 Amendment of this by-law can take place after the following due processes:

(i) Applications or suggestions/motions for amendment or views shall be put in writing specifying the part of the By-law that should be amended to the Deanery through the Secretary-General.

(ii) The application for the amendment shall be presented before the executive who will deliberate on it prior to the general delegates meeting of the Deanery.

(iii) All members shall be asked to study the proposed amendment till the following general delegates’ meeting when it shall be decided to adopted or rejected by two-third majority votes of members present at the meeting.

(iv)The amendment of this By-law (If need be) should take a space of ten years (10 years) before it may be amended.

18.3 The Deanery shall over time pass other laws not in this By-law as the need arises through her adopted minutes and resolutions.

SECTION 19

19.0 OATH OF OFFICE AND ALLEGIANCE

19.1 OATH OF ALLEGIANCE

I,………………………… (Please mention your full names), do solemnly swear/affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria, Otukpo Deanery and that I will preserve and defend the By-law of the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON) in Otukpo Deanery.

So Help Me God!

19.2 NEED FOR OATH OF OFFICE

Before assuming office, each member of the executive committee, caretaker committee or electoral committee shall take an oath of office before the spiritual director (Chaplain/Priest) or otherwise as appropriate.

19.3 OATH OF OFFICE

I,………………………… (Please mention your full names), do solemnly swear that I shall be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria, Otukpo Deanery, that as I act in the capacity of: (………………………….. Please mention Position), in this Organization, I will discharge my duties to the best of my ability, faithfully, and in accordance with the provision of the By-law of the Deanery and with the rules and regulations of the Catholic Church, and always in the interest of the integrity, solidarity, well being and prosperity of the Deanery, that I will strive to preserve the aims and objectives contained in the constitution of the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria , that I will not directly or indirectly communicate or reveal to any person, any matter which shall be brought under my consideration or shall become known to me by the executive; and that I will devote myself to the service of the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON) in Otukpo Deanery and beyond.

SO HELP ME GOD!!

Sign;

Bro. Garba Thunder Ijele                     Deanery President