By Rev. Fr Mark Obiora Ikeh
The Catholic Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Paulinus C. Ezeokafor, has reminded the faithful that wealth is held in trust from God and must serve the common good. He spoke on Sunday, 25th October 2026, at a thanksgiving Mass marking the 70th Birthday of High Chief Sir Gabriel Ogbuze.
St. Michael’s Catholic Parish, Obeagu, Agulu, in Anaocha Local Government Area, was filled to capacity as family members, friends, kinsmen and well-wishers joined the celebrant and his family in giving thanks to God. Bishop Ezeokafor presided over the Pontifical High Mass, assisted by a large number of priests. The Bishop of Aguleri Diocese, Most Rev. Dennis Isizoh, was represented.
In his homily, Bishop Ezeokafor said human beings were not the absolute owners of their wealth or property but rather stewards who must give account to God for how they used the resources entrusted to them. Drawing on the Catholic Social Teaching on the universal destination of goods, he explained that God created the earth and its riches for the benefit of all humanity.
The Bishop commended the celebrant for setting aside time to thank God for the gift of life, which he described as a gracious blessing no one should take for granted. He observed that God had favoured Sir Ogbuze with long life and prosperity, bringing him to the biblical span of three score and ten.
Gratitude to God, the prelate added, was best shown by devoting part of one’s wealth to the common good; even as he cited the celebrant as an example.
‘I was here some time ago to bless the Chapel of Perpetual Adoration built by Sir Ogbuze for this parish. Today, we are again gathered in this church building, which I learnt he also built,’ Bishop Ezekofar remarked.
He further commended the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Jude Nwokolo, together with the parishioners and benefactors, for what he described as the rapid development of the parish within a short period, and urged them to make judicious use of its facilities. Fr. Nwokolo is currently on annual leave, and Rev. Fr. JohnBosco Nwegbue is overseeing the parish in his absence.
In his response, High Chief Ogbuze thanked the Bishop for honouring his invitation and celebrating with his family. On behalf of his sons, he pledged to fund the electrical wiring of the church compound. His wife, Mrs. Rita Ogbuze, complemented the gesture with a donation of ₦1 million to the parish.
The occasion was further brightened by Chief Jude Uche Okeke of Obeagu, Agulu, popularly known as “Igwe St. Michael’s Parish”. Chief Okeke, a close friend of the celebrant and the parish’s 2026 winner for the biggest yam harvest, presented a giant tuber of yam to Bishop Ezeokafor. He presented a second tuber to the representative of the Bishop of Aguleri Diocese.
‘Today, I came with two big tubers of yam. I donated one to my bishop, Most Rev. P. C. Ezeokafor, and the other to the representative of the Bishop of Aguleri Diocese, so that I may also receive a blessing like the one my bishop has already given me,’ Okeke said.
Describing Sir Ogbuze as a kind and generous friend, Chief Okeke said he had come to support him, in his own modest way, on his special day.
The Mass was followed by a reception at the church field, where guests joined the celebrant and his family in merriment.
