Laity Council Onitsha Region Marks 30th Anniversary
By Polycarp Ifeanyi
The Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria (CLCN), Onitsha Episcopal Region, has marked its 30th anniversary with a grand celebration, commemorating three decades of faith, service, apostolate, and commitment to the growth of the Catholic Church.
The anniversary celebration was held at Obelle-Agu Town Hall, Onitsha, following a Holy Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Parish, Inland Town, Onitsha, presided over by the Chaplain of the Laity Council, Onitsha Region, Rev. Fr. Samuel Uzondu.
The anniversary programme featured several activities, including the presentation of awards, installation of Patrons and Patronesses, the launch of the maiden edition of the Laity Almanac, a fundraising drive for the Gospel Band, and a send-off ceremony for the immediate past executives of the council.
In his homily during the Holy Mass, Rev. Fr. Samuel Uzondu, who is also the Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Catholic Parish, Inland Town, reminded the congregation that God remains in control of human affairs and is present in every aspect of His creation.
He described human life as a mystery and urged Christians to remain cautious, prayerful, and grateful to God Almighty, irrespective of the circumstances they encounter.
“Most of the time, we think that God has abandoned us, but it is not true. God has not abandoned us or what He created. God is with us always,” the cleric stated.
Fr. Uzondu further reflected on the tribulations and challenges of earthly life, noting that every child of God would encounter trials at different points in life, whether in the family, business, health, career, or other areas.
He encouraged the faithful not to allow difficulties to weaken their faith but to remain steadfast in their trust in God, who, he said, never abandons those who rely on Him.
In her welcome address, read by the Secretary of the council, Dr. Melvina Ezeiruaku, the anniversary was described as a historic milestone in the journey of the Catholic laity in Onitsha Episcopal Region.
She said the celebration marked 30 years of service in the vineyard of the Lord and represented a remarkable journey of faith, resilience, lay apostolate, spiritual growth, and unwavering service to God and humanity.
Dr. Ezeiruaku expressed appreciation to the Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Sir Ben Onyeka; the Royal Father of the Day, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, Obi of Onitsha; the Chief Launcher, Chief Chinonso Igwe; the Father of the Day, Chief Ogonna Olisa; the Mother of the Day, Lady Ann Chukwuneke; Pharm. Adaeze Omaliko; and other distinguished guests who graced the occasion.
She also appealed to the hierarchy of the Catholic Church to consider allocating a permanent office space to the Laity Council of the Region to strengthen its operations and enhance its service to the Church.
Dr. Ezeiruaku further called for greater involvement of statutory Church bodies and pious societies in the activities of the Laity Council. She also advocated the institution of periodic Episcopal Regional Meetings involving priests and lay faithful as a means of fostering greater collaboration, unity, and effective pastoral engagement.
Speaking with journalists, the President of the Onitsha Region Laity Council, Hon. Ben Chikezie, popularly known as “Uzuakpundu,” disclosed that the Onitsha Region Laity Council comprises approximately 43 to 45 parishes.
He stressed the importance of the laity in the life and mission of the Church, noting that their primary responsibility includes ensuring that the teachings and doctrines of the Catholic Church reach the grassroots.
“The laity constitute the majority of the Church population and consolidate all activities in the Church for unity and one voice,” he said.
Hon. Chikezie pledged his administration’s commitment to working tirelessly for the progress and growth of the Laity Council, particularly within the Onitsha Episcopal Region.
He noted that future administrations would build on the foundation already laid, while ensuring that the council continued to respond effectively to the needs of the Church and the lay faithful.
“The Onitsha Region Laity Council will continue to grow from strength to strength. As lay faithful, we will continue doing what we are expected to do, to the glory of God,” he said.
The Laity President also commended the Archdiocesan Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Celestine Aniofor; the Region Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Samuel Uzondu; and the Archdiocesan Laity President, Sir Ikenna Oduma, for their leadership, guidance, and support to the council.
He equally expressed appreciation to the Catholic Women Organization (CWO), Catholic Men Organization (CMO), Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON), invited guests, and members of the planning committee for their contributions towards the success of the anniversary celebration.
The Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Brother Loveday Kameh, expressed delight over the successful outcome of the event, saying that the celebration went according to plan.
He described the laity as ordinary members of the Church who work alongside ordained priests in advancing the mission and progress of the Church. He urged lay faithful to remain committed to their responsibilities and adhere to the teachings and directives of the Catholic Church.
Some of the attendees, including Ide Pascal Ezeaka, Mrs. Theresa Okonkwo, Mrs. Ijeoma, and Chief Marius Akwansi, described the anniversary celebration as colourful, inspiring, and memorable.
They commended the organizers for putting together an event that not only celebrated three decades of the Laity Council’s existence but also highlighted the important role of the lay faithful in the life, mission, and growth of the Catholic Church.
