By Emma Ihemeje
The Chaplain of Onitsha Archdiocesan laity council of Nigeria, Rev. Fr Celestine Aniofor and the President of the council in Onitsha archdiocese, Chief Leo Obiefuna with his lieutenants have successfully flagged off the laity week. The ceremony which was held at St. Augustine catholic church Parish Nkpor was attended by the four regional members of the council with the former PDP governorship aspirant, Mr Valentine Ozigbo in attendance.
Speaking at the occasion, the Archdiocesan laity Council chaplain Rev. Fr. Celestine Aniofor, a.k.a Ochiwar called on the members of the council to rise up to the challenges of the laity Council especially as it relates to the demands of Onitsha Catholic Archbishop financially. He also commended the encouragement Senator Victor Umeh, senator Dr. Tony Nwoye and Chief Valentine Ozigbo were giving the laity council, hence his maxim, “matanu onye matara unu”.
Also speaking at the occasion, the President of the the laity Council, Engr. Leo Obiefuna decried the poor attitude of the laity council members as it concerns fund raising, reminding them of their roles towards the progress and growth of the Catholic church in the Archdiocese..The laity council members were reminded that they remain the engine house of the church, hence the need to sit up.
However substantive members of the laity council from Onitsha Region, Dunukofia region, Nnobi region and lyiowa region attended the the flag off ceremony which was well organised by the planning committee led by Mr. Edwards Okeke and his lieutenants, including Dame Angela Oraekwue. Other leaders of the council who graced the ceremony included Bro. Ben Chikezie, Bro.Callistus Aroh, and Mr. Jude Osuala of the S.S John and Paul lba Pope parish Awada .The ceremony. was chairmaned by Mr .Ephraim Umeh. Highpoint of the occasion was the entertainment of guests with food and drinks.
