- Newly Elected Officers Inaugurated
By Nna Anulumadu
The Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria (CLCN) Onitsha Episcopal Region of Onitsha Archdiocese held its maiden summit last Saturday, June 21, 2025, with the theme “The Effects of Religious and Political Synergy in Providing Good Governance to Society.”
The historic event witnessed the presentation of awards to distinguished personalities who have contributed significantly to the growth of the Church in Onitsha. The newly elected officers in the region were also inaugurated, and patrons and patronesses of the region were installed on the same day.
In an address, the region expressed gratitude to the Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, for appointing Rev. Fr. Samuel Uzondu as the new Chaplain of the region. Other individuals and groups appreciated included the Episcopal Vicar Onitsha Region, Very Rev. Fr. Victor Mbanisi, the chaplain Onitsha Archdiocesan Laity Council Rev Fr Celestine Àniofor,the Chaplain Onitsha region Fr. Uzondu, the president Onitsha Archdiocesan Laity Council Engr. Leo Obiefuna , the new executive members of the region led by Hon. Ben Chikezie, and the organizers and supporters of the summit.
The region called on the laity to be agents of transformation, bringing the light of Christ into every sphere of human activity. In a lecture titled “The Effects of Religious and Political Synergy in Providing Good Governance to Society,” Barr. Chizoba Nnagbo urged the laypeople not to disassociate themselves from politics, as it is for the common good.
According to him, the laity should be at the forefront of politics, while the clergy provides guiding principles. He explained that the Church is not expected to support a particular political party during elections, but the laity can support candidates who can bring about desired change in governance.
The President of the Catholic Laity Council Onitsha Region, Hon. Ben Chikezie (Uzuakpundu), appreciated the participants and supporters of the laity in his speech. He charged fellow laypeople to embrace God and help transform society.
He also called on those in politics to use their power to build an egalitarian society where everyone can coexist in peace and harmony.
During the summit the region installed Chief Paul Ngoka as the grand patron while Dame Dr. Ngozi Nwanosike and Lady Ujunwa Ikpeama where installed as Grand patroness . Other patrons and patronesses installed are Mayor Okudo Chukwukelu , Hon Catechist Ginikanwa, Sir Ben Okafor, Chief Agbams Marius, Mayor Nze Okwuchukwu Umeh , Chief Romanus Nzenwadiugwu , Iyom Nneka Ugochukwu and Iyom Henrietta Ozoigbo.
Personalities installed as Ambassadors are Hon.Anthony Nwora ( Chairman Onitsha North LGA), Sir Hon Emeka Orji( Chairman Onitsha South LGA) , Hon Stanley Nkwoka ( Chairman Idemili North LGA) Barr Osita Paul, Catechist John Odionyekachuwu, Hon. Barr Pat Okafor, Engr. Alex Nwizu Okosi, Hon Patrick Egwuatu and Hon Barr Ifeoma Mimi Ikpeazu Azikiwe .
Those bagged meritorious long service award are Sr. Uju Dibor, Sr. Nkechi Ekwealo, Sr. Antonia Madu, Hon EugeneMary Obiudu( JP), Br. Chigizie Chime ,Br George Ugwuneke, Br Alex Nwaolisa and Ginika Okafor.
Meanwhile Lady Theresa Onukwuba ( Osinigwe) was honoured as Mama Laity Onitsha region.
