By Izunna Okafor, AwkaÂ
It was a celebration of faith, family, service and thanksgiving at Nnobi in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State on Sunday, as the Omenugha family gathered friends, relatives, clergy, political leaders, academics and well-wishers to thank God for two major milestones among other multiple blessings.
The milestones included the 70th birthday of their patriarch, Noble Dr. Michael Cosmas Omenugha, popularly known as Ichie Obama Nnobi, and the appointment of his wife, Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha, as the substantive Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU).
The thanksgiving, which attracted a large gathering that filled St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Nnobi, to capacity, brought together three Catholic Bishops, priests, religious men and women, government officials, academics, community leaders and other dignitaries who joined the family in the celebration mass.
The event also climaxed of a series of activities organised by the family in the days leading up to the thanksgiving, including a football match and other week-long programmes that brought together family members, friends, associates and members of the community in an atmosphere of celebration and camaraderie.
The Pontifical Thanksgiving Mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church was presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev. Felix Femi Ajakaye, who served as Chief Celebrant, while the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye, delivered the homily. The Auxiliary Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev. Thomas Ifeanyichukwu Obiatuegwu, also participated in the celebration and imparted the post-Communion blessing.
The gathering was further honoured by the presence of His Eminence, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, who attended the reception and offered his blessings to the family and guests.
In his homily, Bishop Okoye reflected on the theme of a life dedicated to service, drawing lessons from Scripture to emphasise the need for Christians to live purposefully and contribute positively to society.
He described Dr. Omenugha’s 70th birthday as a significant milestone and a testimony to a life of service, while also praying for continued health, wisdom and divine blessings for him.
The Bishop noted that the Christian faith calls believers to be instruments of positive change, stressing that the qualities of service, sacrifice and commitment reflected in the life of the celebrant should inspire others to dedicate themselves to the good of humanity.
Turning to Professor Kate Omenugha, Bishop Okoye described her as a capable administrator and a good shepherd for COOU, noting that the office of Vice Chancellor carries significant responsibility and requires wisdom, integrity and a strong sense of duty.
He commended her contributions to education and public service over the years and expressed confidence that she would bring her wealth of experience to bear on the university, while praying for God’s guidance as she leads the institution.
The Bishop also commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for what he described as his efforts to transform Anambra State, while also calling on the local government Mayors and community leaders to complement the government’s efforts by undertaking certain development projects within the scope of their ability and responsibility.
Speaking at the occasion, the Parish Priest of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Nnobi, Rev. Fr. Chike Onwuegbu, commended the Omenugha family for their faith, commitment to the Church and contributions to the development of the community.
Fr. Onwuegbu particularly appreciated Dr. Nelson Omenugha, one of the celebrants’ sons, for his intervention projects and other contributions to the parish, education, infrastructure noting that such gestures had positively impacted the Church and its members.
In her vote of thanks on behalf of the family, Professor Kate Omenugha expressed deep gratitude to God for the twin blessings being celebrated, as well as to the clergy, family members, friends, colleagues and well-wishers who attended the thanksgiving and participated in the activities leading up to it.
She expressed particular appreciation to Governor Soludo for finding her worthy of appointment as the substantive Vice Chancellor of COOU, acknowledging the confidence reposed in her by the Governor and pledging to justify the trust through dedicated and purposeful service.
Professor Omenugha also thanked the participants for honouring the family with their presence and prayers.
In his remarks, Governor Soludo recalled that the thanksgiving marked his second visit to worship at the church, having previously attended a thanksgiving Mass organised in honour of Professor Omenugha following her promotion to the rank of professor about 13 years ago.
The Governor congratulated Dr. Omenugha on his 70th birthday and described him as a public-spirited individual, wishing him many more years in good health.
He also congratulated Professor Omenugha on her appointment as Vice Chancellor, insisting that the position was not a favour but a recognition of her competence, experience and achievements.
Soludo said his administration prioritises merit and excellence in making appointments, noting that Professor Omenugha emerged as the best candidate after a thorough assessment of the credentials of those considered for the position.
The Governor recalled her contributions to the education sector, particularly her efforts as Commissioner for Education in Anambra State, where he said she played a major role in the fight against examination malpractice and the proliferation of illegal examination centres, popularly known as special centers in the state then
According to him, the state had at the time faced the threat of sanctions from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) over the proliferation of so-called miracle centres, but Professor Omenugha took decisive steps that led to the closure of more than 486 such centres.
He said her record of service, academic credentials and measurable achievements were among the factors that informed his confidence in her ability to lead COOU.
The Governor urged public institutions to embrace merit in the appointment of leaders, stressing that society would progress faster when individuals were selected based on competence, character and proven capacity rather than sentiments, personal recommendations or other considerations.
He also commended a son of the celebrants, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, who previously served as his Special Adviser on Youth Empowerment Programmes, expressing his willingness to continue working with him in this second term.
Beyond the celebration, the Governor used the occasion to draw attention to environmental challenges confronting Anambra, particularly flooding, erosion and other forms of environmental degradation.
He called on residents, communities and other stakeholders to take greater responsibility for protecting the environment, urging them to manage water from their homes properly and avoid practices that worsen flooding and erosion.
Soludo warned against the misuse and destruction of government infrastructure, citing instances where some residents allegedly turned newly constructed roads into trading spaces.
He also spoke about the need for long-term planning in the state, noting that Anambra’s growing population would place increasing pressure on available land and infrastructure in the coming decades.
The Governor said the administration’s investments in critical infrastructure, including the ongoing development of the Anambra International Passenger and Cargo Airport, were part of efforts to plan ahead for the state’s future needs.
The occasion also provided an opportunity for the family to celebrate the living and acknowledge the contributions of those who had supported their journey over the years.
In his reactions, one of the celebrants’ sons, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, described his parents as precious gifts and said the thanksgiving was an opportunity for the family to express gratitude to God for His faithfulness and for the people who had contributed in various ways to their success.
The celebration, which continued with a reception after the Mass, was marked by tributes, goodwill messages, prayers and renewed expressions of appreciation, bringing to a fitting climax the week-long activities organised to celebrate the family’s twin milestones.
More photos from the event:
