Senator Nwoye Donates Two Coaster Buses for Evangelism, Bags Award in Awada
By Polycarp Ifeanyi
The Senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District and Senate Minority Whip, Senator Dr. Tony Okechukwu Nwoye, has received an Award of Excellence from the Catholic Men Organisation (CMO), De Great Awada Zone.
The award was presented at SS John and Paul Catholic Church, popularly known as Iba Pope, Awada, in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, during the 15th anniversary celebration of the CMO, De Great Awada Zone.
Senator Nwoye, who participated in the Holy Mass preceding the award presentation, expressed gratitude to the organisation for the honour, describing the recognition as prestigious.
He said the award would motivate him to render greater service to the people and assured the organisation of his continued support.
The memorable event commenced with a Holy Mass presided over by the Spiritual Director of CMO, De Great Awada Zone, Very Rev. Fr. Benedict Uchegbu, alongside the Parish Priest of SS John and Paul Catholic Church, Iba Pope, Awada, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Aloysius Agba (Omereora).
The celebration featured a ₦50 million fundraising drive for an evangelism coaster bus, the installation of patrons and patronesses and ambassadors, as well as the presentation of honorary awards.
In his homily, Fr. Uchegbu reminded the men that they are pillars of their homes, emphasising the need for them to be good husbands and to effectively discharge their fatherly responsibilities in their families.
He admonished members to remain devoted to the organisation, stressing that their commitment should go beyond attending meetings and should be reflected in their daily lives and responsibilities as fathers.
“Be good ambassadors of the Catholic Men Organisation, live an exemplary life and always reflect it in your daily conduct,” Fr. Uchegbu stated.
Speaking with journalists, the President of CMO, De Great Awada Zone, High Chief Sir Ernest Mbagwu (Isimili of Urualla), described the anniversary celebration as successful and expressed delight that it was held during his tenure.
Chief Mbagwu explained that the event was organised to mark the 15th anniversary of the organisation in Awada Zone.
He noted that although the organisation could have waited until its 25th anniversary, the urgent need for a coaster bus for evangelism necessitated the celebration of the 15th anniversary as an avenue to raise funds for the project.
He thanked God for the donation by the Special Guest of Honour, Senator Dr. Tony Nwoye, who, he disclosed, donated two coaster buses to the organisation—one for CMO, Onitsha Region, and the other for CMO, De Great Awada Zone.
Chief Mbagwu described Senator Nwoye as a “people’s Senator,” stressing that the donation had fulfilled a dream of the immediate past executive of CMO, De Great Awada Zone.
“The immediate past executive gave me a mandate to secure a coaster bus for the zone. I promised them that in my first tenure in office, I would provide a coaster bus, and you can see how God answered their prayer through Senator Tony Nwoye,” Chief Mbagwu stated.
Speaking on plans to move the organisation forward, Chief Mbagwu noted that many men find it difficult to attend church, while some of those who attend church do not participate in CMO meetings unless food and drinks are provided.
He recalled that when he served as Parish CMO President of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Iba Pope, he introduced refreshments during meetings as a way of attracting members.
He said the initiative was also adopted by the immediate past executive of CMO, De Great Awada Zone.
“What we are planning is to introduce football competitions in every parish to attract more young members, as well as other activities to make our organisation stronger,” he said.
Chief Mbagwu urged more men to enrol in the CMO, clarifying that the Catholic Church had not made a church wedding a compulsory requirement for membership, although, as Christians, members are encouraged to marry in the Church.
He also encouraged unmarried men to get married and urged those facing difficulties in getting married to approach the organisation, assuring them that the CMO would assist them to get married and have a church wedding without incurring excessive costs.
Dignitaries at the event included the member representing Onitsha North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Emeka Idu (Ochirima); the NDC candidate for Onitsha North Constituency 1, Hon. Ken Ezeazu; the candidate for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency, Engr. Eric Anyamene; the representative of the APGA senatorial candidate for Anambra Central, Hon. Dozie Nwankwo; and the Royal Father of the Day, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Chidubem Iweka III, Eze Obosi, who was represented by members of his cabinet.
Others included the Grand President of the Knights of St. John International, Onitsha Grand Commandery, Sir Daniel Olisakwe; the President-General of Obosi Urban Community, Chief Emeka Asimonye; Chief Sir Eze Mentus Mbonu (Odibo Ndigbo); the President of CMO, Onitsha Region, Bro. Hilary Edemba; the Pioneer President of CMO, De Great Awada Zone, Noble Sir David Ofodum; the immediate past President of CMO, De Great Awada Zone, Sir Mayor Joe Nweke (Papa Fada); and the immediate past President of CMO, Onitsha Region, Mayor Chukwukere Okudo, among others.
