The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor has called on Igbos not to mortgage their future by selling their votes during the 2023 general elections.
Most Reverend Ezeokafor made the call in a homily during a pontifical high mass to mark the 2022 Triennial Convention cum forty-five years Sapphire anniversary of the Catholic Women Organization, Awka Diocese held at St Patrick’s old cathedral, Awka.
Correspondent Ngozi Obileri was part of the event and now reports that Catholic Women Organisation, Awka Diocese holds convention every three years.
Activities marking the event commenced in September with Marian pilgrimage to various regions in the diocese, quiz and singing competitions at deanery level while the final competitions featured over the weekend.
At the grand finale, over one hundred CWO members were elevated to Life members, all the deaneries participated in cultural display and Queen competition where Neni Deanery took the first position and was crowned Queen of CWO Awka Diocese, while the second position which came with face of CWO recognition on Queen of Ebenebe deanery and third position clinching the mirror of CWO by Agulu deanery respectively.
Delivering a homily at the mass, Most Reverend Ezeokafor said it is high time people started forming their future by themselves, warning that anyone who sells his vote for mere five or ten thousand naira will incur the wrath of God upon him or herself and their families, regretting the current situation of the country which he attributed to bad leadership.
He commended the CWO of the diocese noting that they play a pivotal role in the development of the diocese and society at large, urging them not to relent in ensuring a sane society by nurturing children with good morals so that the society can be better.
The Director General CWO, Awka Diocese, lady Sabina Ndigwe maintained that the double events which offered them opportunity to come together, look at their activities for the past three years, make amendments and give moral support to one another, was also in view of their Golden jubilee anniversary coming up in the next five years.
The Chaplain CWO Awka Diocese, Reverend Father Jonas Unegbu and the Sister Adviser, Reverend Sister Ogechukwu Anaraa were thankful to God that the event ended successfully.
In their separate speeches, the chairman planning committee of the event lady Ngozi Ekwunife and the Secretary of the committee, lady Ngozi Muo, who was among those invested into Life member, Awka Diocese, said though planning the event was stressful, they are happy to be chosen to serve the diocese in that capacity, appreciating all who contributed to ensure success of the event describing it as the best so far.
Meanwhile, notable individuals within Awka catholic diocese were at the event given various recognition according to their work of faith in the diocese.
Among them were member representing Anaocha, Njikoka and Dunukofia federal constituency, Honourable Dozie Nwankwo, the member representing Awka South one at the state House of Assembly, Honourable Chuma Okoye both awarded as CWO Beacon of Hope, former senator for Anambra Central Senatorial district, Senator Victor Umeh, founder Ide Global foundation, Chief Azubuike Ekweozor, both awarded Pillar of CWO respectively, Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on youth Empowerment, Dr Nelson Omenugha, as CWO Youth Ambassador among others.
In their various speeches, some of the awardees Honourable Dozie Nwankwo, Chuma Okoye, Senator Victor Umeh, Dr Nelson Omenugha, as well as chief Azubuike Ekweozor represented by Mr Casmir Obiegbolu of the ABS, acknowledged the role of mothers in nation building, urging them to be at alert especially now that elections are around the corner so that their children are not used as thugs.
The event featured cutting of convention cum anniversary cake, unveiling of statue of blessed Virgin Mary and lighting of candles.
The Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial district at the red Chambers, Mrs Uche Ekwunife as well as Former Governor Peter Obi were among dignitaries that graced the occasion.
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