By Jude Michael
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, Tuesday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Agulu, in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, flagged off Awka Diocesan Laity Council Week with a call on them to think on how best to improve their religious life, as well as their relationship with God.
Declaring the Laity Council Week open shortly after the Concelebrated Eucharistic Celebration, Bishop Ezeokafor, thanked the Catholic Laity Council of Awka Diocese for choosing the theme: “Upholding and promoting the Liturgy among Catholics”, which, he said, was properly chosen to promote the word of God.
Bishop Ezeokafor exhorted the people to join various parishes to be alive to the opportunities provided by this year’s Laity Week to mobilise and educate the laity, as well as raise funds for the running of the Diocesan Laity Council so as to complete some ongoing projects in the Diocese. He also called on Christians to intensify their prayers for Nigeria to end challenges.
He charged parents to adopt proactive measures in training their children at home in moral and social values and to stand firm and play their roles as fathers and mothers to their children, urging Christians to have the fear of God while alive.
Commenting on Governor Soludo’s 3rd year in office, Bishop Ezeokafor praised what he described as his transformative leadership and commitment to human capital development.
The Chief Shepherd of the Catholic Diocese of Awka highlighted the Governor’s efforts in uniting Anambra communities through initiatives such as road revolution, urban renewal, and the creation of a livable and prosperous homeland.
As a respected spiritual leader and advocate for social justice, Bishop Ezeokafor commended Soludo’s focus on the common good, emphasizing that governance should not be about personal gain but about serving the people.
‘His commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive development is truly commendable,’ the Bishop said.
Speaking, Governor Soludo thanked the leadership and members of Awka Diocesan Laity Council for the honour done him, noting that he held the Church in high esteem and being a former altar server he was grounded with the workings of the Mother Church, adding that the recognition would not be taken for granted. He lauded the Bishop for what he called his administrative prowess and leadership qualities, assuring him of continued government’s support.
The President of the Laity of Council of Nigeria, Awka Diocese, Hon (Sir), Joseph Igwebuike, thanked the Bishop for his fatherly support and encouragement to the Council. He equally thanked all who contributed to the success of the programme.
The flag-Off featured the presentation of awards of excellence in the governance of Anambra State to Governor Chukwuma Soludo; Community Service Award to the Managing Director of Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata; the National Youth leader of Agulu People’s Union (APU), Hon Eric Kenny Maduagwu; the National Chairman of APGA, Chief Barr Sly Ezeokenwa; Chief (Sir) Basil Ejidike, Anambra Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, among others.
