Diocese Of Ikwuano Anglican Communion Marks 18th Anniversary, As Bishop Onyegbule Ordains Nwokoma, Others

By CLEMENT NWOJI, in Umuahia

The 18th Anniversary celebration of the Diocese of Ikwuano, Ecclesiastical Province of Aba, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion was marked with glamour as it coincided with its anniversary thanksgiving and presentation of the Diocesan merit awards.

Spectacular, about the event that generated joys, happiness and ovation was first, the presentation for Diaconate, Ord. Arinzechukwu Nnamdi Nwokoma for consecration by His Lordship Rt. Rev. Chigozirim U. Onyegbule Ph.D, the Bishop of Ikwuano Diocese who presided over the entire Church service.

The event which in addition, included the installation of five Priests as Canons and the commissioning of six candidates as Pastors attracted dignitaries, relations and well wishers of Sir and Lady Gorgina G.C Nwokoma family whose Son, Ord. Arinzechukwu Nnamdi Nwokoma was ordained Diaconate at the St. Phillips Cathedral, Ahaba Oloko, Abia State on Sunday, January 22, 2023.

It was a glorious event as the entire Nwokoma family including Sir Isaac and Lady Esther Nwokoma and Chief Alwell and Nneoma Lolo Gloria Nwokoma graced the occasion in giving thanks to God for actualisation of their father’s long sought desire of his son being a Priest.

Apart dignitaries from Abuja, Lagos, within the community and outside the Diocese, such as Priests from Diocese of Calabar and Diocese of Nnewi who graced the occasion, it attracted many other Priests so numerous to mention but which includes Ven. Moses I. Chukwumaobim, Ven. Dennis Chineh, Ven. Sam Nwaekpe, Ven Ikenna Ikpemo, Canon Chris Umeokana, Canon Victor Azubuike and Canon Gabriel Asuluka.

The five Priests installed as Canons include: Rev. Nkemakolam Augustine Uwaezuoke, Rev. Obed Ohuruzor, Rev. Chidiebere Friday Nwogu, Rev. Ugochukwu Bernard Williams and Rev. Chibuzo Uzoma Izuogu; while the candidates commissioned as Pastors include: Evang. Obinna Kingsley Iheonu, Evang. Godwin Madubuike, Evang. Chigozie Johnson Emmanuel, Evang. Ikenna Ginikachi Nlewadim, Evang. Samuel Chinanu Nnadi and Evang. Chibuzo Cyril Onwugbufor.

Also, were candidates licensed as Lay readers namely, Chibuike Onyeji, Stephen Obumneke Okebugwu, Maureen Nkechi Okiyi and Uchechukwu Cynthia Adieze.

Delivering the Sermon shortly after the readings taken from the Holy Bible in Exodus 33: 12- end, Psalm 27:1-8, First John 1:1-7 and Matthew 8: 1-13; Rev. Canon Kelechi Igwe articulated what is required of in service of God.

According to him while drawing inferences from Revelation 1: 6 and Psalms 119:164, 55:17, he enumerated that servants of God must have enough courage, have ability to pay the price of enthronement as any throne has a sacrifice to be paid in order to move forward; must have progressive deepening of intimacy with God; have authority of righteous living, have consistency in pursuit of excellence, have intentional planing and development and have youthful vigour and orientation.

The climax of activities which marked the 18th anniversary of the Diocese was the rededication of Council of Knights who were presented by the President, Sir Prof. G. C Nzeagwu and then followed by the conferment of the Diocesan Merit Awards on Mrs Helen Uzunma Onyekachi, Mrs Priscillia Nkechi Anyim, Mrs Uzoma Beatrice Oriaku, Hon Nwachukwu Paul Imo, Engr. Paul O Anyim, Mrs Hannah Emelogu, Mrs Clara Michael and Mrs Gladys Attah and Mr Nkemakolam Kalu.