…Prays For Emma Njoku,, Mune Vintage Stanley Amuchie
Former president of Mbaise priests” association, Rev Fr Austin Bernadine Mbatuegwu Ekechukwu has expressed his profound gratitude to his kingsmen for their great support and encouragement during his golden jubilee anniversary held at the Mater Eclaisier cathedral, Ahiara Mbaise on the 4th of January, 2025.
Ekechukwu who spoke to our reporters recently appreciated his people of Egberede Nguru both at home and in the diaspora for the love they showered on him during the celebration of his 50 years on the alter as a priest.
According to Ekechukwu, “I was stunned by the love and support I received from my people of Egberede Nguru during my golden jubilee anniversary. I appreciate them all including the women and also those in the diaspora for their individual and collective commitment to the success of my anniversary. They really proved to me and the world that they are indeed happy and proud of me as the first ordained priest from the Egberede clan and I promise to continue playing spiritual roles to ensure further growth and development of our community”.
Ekechukwu also appreciated the bishop of Ahiara Mbaise diocese for personally chosing the date and venue of the anniversary in appreciation for his contributions to the church in the diocese especially in his capacity as the then president of the Mbaise Priests’ Association.
He also recognized the contributions of some prominent Mbaise sons like the former governor of Imo state, Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha, Barr Emma Njoku, Managing Director, Prezzo Shed limited who was the chairman of the event, High Chief Christopher Nwaogwugwu,(Mune) president Vintage group, Ezinwa Sir Stanley Amuchie of Fidelity bank and High Chief Emeka Akpunku who unveiled the biography on him captioned “The Ordained warrior”, written by a seasoned journalist, Ugonna Anejionu.
According to Ekechukwu, I was simply humbled by the support I received from these gentlemen. The love they showed me is intimidating and I will continue to commit them to God almighty in prayers”.
He also appreciated his fellow priests like Monsignor Prof John Obilor, professor of systematic theology, Imo state university Owerri, who reviewed the biography, Fr Col Laz Nwoga of the United States air force, Fr Alex Okoro who was the event’s church service homilist, Rev Canon Barnabas Oguguo of the Scottish episcopal church and others for their prayers and encouragement.
Recall that Ekechukwu as the then president of the Mbaise Priests’ Association rejected the appointment of Peter Ebele Okpaleke from the Onitsha province as the bishop of Ahiara Mbaise diocese upon the death of it’s piomee bishop, Victor Chikwe and insisted that an Mbaise indigene must be appointment the bishop by the church authorities.
For not compromising the wish of the Mbaises on the bishopric, he became a hero and celebrity in the entire Mbaise.
The event started with a holy mass officiated by the bishop of Mbaise diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev Dr Simeon Okezuo Nwobi assisted by over a hundred priests of Mbaise origin and beyond.
