By Emma Ihemeje
The parish priest of SS John and Paul, lba Pope, Awada, Rev. Fr Victor Mbanisi, and his lieutenants, including the director of social communications of the Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese, Rev. Fr George Adimike, have inaugurated the newly elected leaders of the Awada zone of the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria, led by Comrade Ben Chikezie as its president.
The event, which began with a holy Mass, featured awards to some distinguished Catholic faithful, among them contestants in the forthcoming coming general elections in the country.
Another feature of the inauguration ceremony included the installation of grand patrons, patronesses, ambassadors and ndi lde for the zonal laity council, as well as the launching of its 2023 almanac.
Earlier in his homily at the mass, the chaplain of the Laity Council of Nigeria, Awada zone, Rev. Fr Kenneth Anuna, advised Christians and the entire Nigerians to abide by their words, saying, “Let your yes be yes and your no be no.” He stated that it was wrong for a person not to fulfil his words or promises at any point in time.
Similarly in his speech while speaking to newsmen at the occasion, the president, Chikezie, advised Nigerians to live by their words, pointing out that it was wrong for people to make promises and some statements they could not fulfill. He further advised members of Christian congregations to stop competing for leadership positions but should instead join hands with priests in moving the Church forward.
Chikezie explained that with the inauguration of the zonal laity council of the church, it was now incumbent on the council to join forces with the priests for the progress and growth of the Church.
Also speaking to newsmen, the Onitsha archdiocesan secretary of the laity council, Jude Thaddeus Osuala, reminded the newly elected leaders they were called to serve God and humanity and their reward from God would not be immediate. He advised them to serve with tenacity of purpose.
The high point of the occasion was the entertainment of the guests. Other elected officials were Mayor Orji (vice president), lfeoma Aroemeka (secretary), Noble Chinonso Nwokeji (assistant secretary), Malachy Okoli (financial secretary), Obinna Eneh (treasurer), Jude Ijiyi (PRO), Vincent Ezerioha (provost 1) and Thereda Odoh (provost 2).
