Obi, Umeh, Other Dignitaries Grace Fundraising for Bishop Ezeokafor Retreat Centre in Awka

By Uzoma Nzeagwu, Awka

Former Anambra State Governor and Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi; Senator Victor Umeh; and other prominent personalities have attended a fundraising ceremony organised to raise N400 million for the completion of the Bishop Paulinus C. Ezeokafor Retreat and Conference Legacy Centre at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka, Anambra State.

The fundraising event, organised by the Ancient and Noble Order of the Knights of Saint John International (KSJI), Awka Grand Commandery and Ladies Auxiliary, was held at the KSJI Hall, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka, at the weekend.

Other dignitaries at the event included Senator Victor Umeh, Prof. Lilian Orogbu, Catholic priests, members of the Knights of Saint John International Grand Commandery and Ladies Auxiliary, as well as other Catholic faithful from across Anambra State.

The ceremony commenced with a Pontifical Mass co-celebrated by the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Paulinus C. Ezeokafor, alongside other priests.

Delivering the homily, Bishop Ezeokafor emphasised the importance of generosity, Christian commitment and obedience to God’s commandments, urging the faithful to contribute their resources towards the advancement of God’s work.

He stressed that genuine fear of God must be reflected in people’s everyday conduct, relationships and commitment to living according to Christian values.

” If you fear the Lord, you must keep His commandments,” the Bishop declared.

He further challenged married Christians to demonstrate faithfulness in their marriages, noting that reverence for God should influence every aspect of their lives.

“If you fear the Lord and you are a married man or a married woman, you must be faithful to your companion,” he said.

According to the Bishop, fearing God also means maintaining constant awareness of His presence and allowing that consciousness to guide one’s actions.

“This is the time for giving. Put in your resources, because it is for the work of God,” he urged the congregation.

Encouraging individuals and organisations to support the project, Bishop Ezeokafor maintained that no contribution towards God’s work should be considered insignificant.

“It is not just about the mission. Even if you have millions, you can give it and do this job for the Lord,” he added.

The fundraising drive is aimed at raising N400 million to facilitate the completion of the Bishop Paulinus C. Ezeokafor Retreat and Conference Legacy Centre, which is expected to provide a dedicated facility for spiritual retreats, conferences, religious programmes and other ecclesiastical activities within the Catholic Diocese of Awka.

When completed, the centre is expected to strengthen the spiritual formation of the faithful and provide an appropriate environment for religious gatherings, reflection and leadership development.

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