… Targets 400M, Celebrates Annual Day
By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
Following their determination and resolve to complete the ongoing Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor’s Retreat and Conference Centre situated inside St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka, the Ancient and Noble Order of the Knights of St. John International (KSJI), Awka Grand Commandery, and its Ladies Auxiliary on Saturday, November 7, 2026, organized a N400m fundraising.
The event which took place at the KSJI Hall, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka, Anambra State, brought together members of the Order and other guests, including Mr. Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Presidential Candidate for the 2027 Election.
The celebration marked by fellowship, recognition of service and commitment to the growth of the Church, also featured the induction of new members into the Order, presentation of awards to members in recognition of their contributions and service.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Anthony Ezeoke enjoined all to continue to live out their faith and ensure they placed primary aims and objectives of the Order above every other consideration, saying that Knights were known as the defenders of the Church and her faith, adding that they should not give up but to continue to do what needed to be done.
Fr. Ezeoke reminded all of the need to always watch and pray and as well bear the cross with all that was in them, even as he exhorted all to make heaven their target.
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, who joined the event at the reception, saw his secretary, Rev. Fr. Evaristus Ifeanacho, serve as the chief celebrant of the concelebrated Eucharistic Celebration.
The Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Senator Dr. Victor Umeh, OFR (Ohamadike Ndigbo), received the prestigious “Legislator Par Excellence Award” from the Knights of St. John International (KSJI), Awka Grand Commandery and Ladies Auxiliary, in recognition of what they termed his outstanding legislative performance, exemplary representation and invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the Order.
Speaking, the Grand President, Awka Grand Commandery, Brigadier General A.U. Nnonyelu, thanked all those present, especially the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor.
The Senator, together with NDC Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, CON; the Member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency, Prof Lilian Oby Orogbu; and the NDC Candidate for Anaocha, Dunukofia and Njikoka Federal Constituency, Hon. Chukwudi Okeke (Ikpoaku); joined the Knights in thanking God for a successful investiture and the continued growth of the Order.
In their separate remarks, the NDC leaders commended the Leadership and Members of the KSJI Awka Grand Commandery and Ladies Auxiliary, particularly Brig. Gen. A.U. Nnonyelu; Grand President, and Noble Lady Oby Nwankwo; Grand Respected President, for their dedication, commitment and efforts towards strengthening the Order in Awka and beyond.
They also applauded the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, who was present at the ceremony, for what they described as his dynamic and visionary leadership, as well as his continued commitment to the spiritual growth of the Diocese.
Congratulating the newly invested Members, the NDC Leaders charged them to uphold the noble ideals of the Order and remain worthy Ambassadors in their service to God, the Church and humanity.
In a special recognition of his exceptional contributions, the Leadership of KSJI Awka Grand Commandery presented Senator Victor Umeh, himself a Colonel in the Order and a Papal Knight of Saint Sylvester, with the “Legislator Par Excellence Award.”
The Honour was in recognition of his proactive, courageous and honest representation of Anambra Central Senatorial District and the entire Igbo Nation, as well as his unwavering support for the growth of the Order and the Church.
It further underscores Senator Umeh’s commitment to purposeful leadership, effective representation and service to humanity.
The event witnessed the presence of the Supreme Subordinate, different Grand Presidents from different Grand Commanderies, speeches, fundraising, photographs, among others.
