-Parish celebrates senior citizens, doles out merit awards
By Nna Anulumadu
Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish Housing Estate Onitsha is basking in jubilation as it marks 20 years of existence. The parish celebrated this milestone anniversary on Sunday, February 15th, 2026, with a special Mass and a grand celebration in honor of its senior citizens.
The event, attended by priests, religious, parishioners, and invited guests, was a fitting tribute to the parish’s two decades of spiritual growth and community service. In his homily, Rev Fr. Dr. Paschal Onwugbenu reflected on divine standards, human shortcomings, and divine solutions, charging Christians to always pray for God’s grace to serve Him well.
According to him, we can live and conquer our problems since God brought His only begotten son who conquered death that we may live. He commended the parish priest, former parish priests, and parishioners for building an ideal Catholic community.
The parish priest, Rev Fr. Basil Chukwunwike Okelu, in his speech, reflected on the parish’s journey, highlighting its achievements and the role of senior citizens and other parishioners in building the community.
“We are here today to celebrate not just 20 years of existence, but the faith, commitment, and dedication of our former parish priests, including Fr. Emma Okoye, Very Rev Fr. Innocent Acho Egbunike, late Fr. Odina, our senior citizens, and parishioners who have worked tirelessly to build this parish,” he said.
Fr. Okelu further commended the Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, for his fatherly support to the parish. Others he commended include the current Vicar, Fr. Jude Ojekwu, Fr. Paschal Okagbue (priest in residence), the pioneer catechist, Kenneth Akwata, Mr. Chimezie Ikesiofor (Vice Chairman, parish council), the CMO, CWO, CYON, and others for their contributions and support.
The parish honored its senior citizens and other parishioners who distinguished themselves in service to God with merit awards and tokens of appreciation, recognizing their contributions to the parish’s growth and development.
The APGA national chairman, Barr Sly Ezeokenwa, who was represented at the event by Chief Muofunanya Peter Ikechukwu, felicitated the parish, enjoining them to sustain the unity and progress that defined the beauty of the Parish.
Hon. Fred Chigozie Ezenwa (Member representing Onitsha South I Constituency) and Hon. Jude Ifeanyi Umennajiego (Member representing South 11), who also spoke, congratulated the parish, urging the parishioners to keep faith alive and align themselves with God. Hon. Ezenwa, who received a merit award, revealed that he was secretary to the parish council for nine years.
Dr. Afam Ezechukwu, chairman of the planning committee of the event, described the event as a huge success, stating that the Parish is gearing up for its silver jubilee. Mr. Emeka Alu also expressed gratitude to God over the exemplary unity existing among parishioners, testifying that such has brought the parish this far.
The publicity secretary of the anniversary committee, Hon. Engr. Mark Dike KSM, described the event as 20 years of God’s mercy, grace, and divine purpose on the parish. He thanked the donors and members of the anniversary committee for their sincere efforts and appreciated the current parish priest, Fr. Okelu, for his dedication and sacrifices.
Chief Chukwuma Akajiobi, Chief Edwin Nnadi, Sir Eugene Nwankwo (pioneer Vice Chairman of the parish), and Mr. Victor Chijioke expressed their joy at witnessing the anniversary, describing their parish as a miracle parish and pledging more support to the Parish’s development.
Some of the awardees, including Dr. Mrs. Kekocha Ezinne Mary, Chief Innocent Nwakibeya Izundu, and High Chief Polycarp Ugoji Onwuka, expressed their gratitude and joy, saying, “We are overwhelmed with happiness to be part of this celebration. It’s a testament to the love and care we have for one another as a community. We are proud of what we have achieved, and we look forward to many more years of faith, hope, and love.”
The event featured cultural performances, music, and dance, showcasing the rich heritage and diversity of the parish community. The atmosphere was electric, with parishioners young and old joining in the festivities and celebrating the parish’s 20th anniversary in style.
