Glitz, Applause As Kingibe’s Aide, 4 Others Shine At Ebonyi Church Awards

ABUJA – It was a day of pomp, colour and spirituality as the expansive auditorium of the popular St. Paul’s Parish, Amudo, Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, was recently filled to capacity during the annual convention of the National Catholic Men Organisation (NCMO), where five distinguished parishioners were honoured for their service to the church and humanity.

Among those decorated was Mr. Kennedy Mbele, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Distinguished Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe.

Mbele was honoured as the Onunewulu Ora 1 (The Mouthpiece) alongside four other outstanding members of the parish in a ceremony that drew worshippers, dignitaries and community leaders.
Addressing the recipients, the Parish Priest, Rev. Father Solomon Nwankwo, lauded their sacrifices and unwavering support for the church and parishioners.
He reminded them that recognition comes with greater responsibility, “The church, particularly the NCMO, is celebrating you today because of your various support to the church and as you may all know, to whom more is given, much is expected.”

On behalf of the honourees, Dr. Elom Joseph — who was decorated with the title Ochiagha Jesus na Mary (Soldier of Christ and Mother Mary) — expressed gratitude for the honour.

He said “We thank the church for the privilege it has been giving us to serve, culminating in the honour being bestowed on us today. This recognition is a challenge to do more. We urge the church to continue to pray for us because we need prayers to sustain the good works which the church, in her wisdom, has recognized.”

Earlier in his sermon, Rev. Father Solomon reminded the honourees that their exemplary lives earned them the titles. He prayed for them and the congregation, asking God to strengthen their faith and commitment to evangelism.

Speaking with journalists at the sidelines, Chairman of the Coronation Committee, Mr. Moses Ezaka, disclosed that the awardees were carefully chosen from different stations that make up the parish, based on their commitment and contributions to parish growth.

He congratulated the honourees and urged them to live up to their new responsibilities, stressing “The parish needs more support for continuous growth and expansion.”

Other awardees at the event included Mr. Mathias Eguji, honoured with the title Ezinna Okwukwe, Comrade John Hawkins Unah, President of the National CMO, who bagged, Ezinna Chinyere Ugo, Mr. Mathias Nweke, who was decorated as Ezinna Ochioharee.

The event ended with prayers, thanksgiving and songs of praise as the parish community celebrated its new titleholders.