Double Celebration: Oliagba Family Celebrates Golden and Silver Jubilee in Nibo

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By Daruwana Daku, Ebube Edieh , Chinonso Samson and Marcellinus Uzuanwu 

The Nibo community in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State was on Saturday, January 6, greeted with fanfare as the family of Mr. and Mrs.  Bartholomew Oliagba celebrated their 50th golden jubilee of marital life, as well as the silver jubilee of their daughter, Rev. Sr. Miriam Nneka Cynthia’s religious profession.

The event which began with a Holy Mass presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Bauchi Diocese, Most Rev. Hillary Namman Dachelem, CMF, was celebrated at their home parish, St.  Theresa’s Parish, Nibo, and was witnessed by priests, religious, and parishioners.

During the homily, Rev.  Fr.  Prof.  Boniface Chijioke Obiefunna acknowledged God’s grace and mercy upon the Oliagba family, noting that the resilience and faithfulness of Sr. Nneka brought her far in her religious journey.

While noting the very essence of her profession, Fr. Obiefuna emphasized the need for people to always show love at any given point.

The homilist also appreciated the silver jubiliarian for her effort in keeping up with her vows of chastity, poverty and obedience, adding that she had made her mark not just in the profession but also in the University of Abuja, her place of work.

While congratulating and appreciating the sisters of the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy (DMMM) congregation for beaming the light of hope in education, health and other areas of essential needs, the clergy cautioned the celebrant to always remain faithful to her vows and be obedient to her benefactors.

In a related development, Bishop Dachelem also poured accolades on priests, religious and lay faithful who came out to respect and celebrate the institution of marriage. The prelate who noted that living as couple for 50 years was a big hallmark in marriage, also appreciated the reverend sisters of DMMM for the good work they were doing; even as he prayed for lasting marriages and gift of long life for all who came to share in the joy of the family.

For her part, the jubilarian, Rev. Sr. Nneka, in her vote of thanks, appreciated her home parish and their priests for the good work they did; the bishop, priests and religious, who came out to pray and share in their joy.

While noting the efforts of her parents in bringing her this far in her vocational life, Sr. Nneka also prayed for healing on her father who was absent due to ill health.

Commending the efforts of her motivators and benefactors, particularly Fr B. A. C. Obiefuna, and her congregation, the sister noted her love for Christ, whom she described as her husband.

The silver jubilarian in a show of gratitude to her congregation offered a mini bus to them as sign of appreciation for the love, benefit and sacrifice that her formators had shown to her over the years.

For her love for education and impact on society, Sr. Nneka used the occasion to also launch a book titled “You and I Forever”.

The book which was reviewed by Rev. Fr. Lambert Agba Chukwuemeka, PhD, is a relatively slim volume of 100 pages with 11 chapters.

The book harps on the celebrant’s love for Christ, as her loving husband. It is also a piece that will guide readers to always seek the face of their maker irrespective of the circumstances or tribulations.

Fides gathered that Mr  Barthlomew Ifesinachi Oliagba and Mrs. Anulika Victoria Oliagba were wedded on January 6, 1974 and waited for nine 9 years before God blessed them with the fruit of the womb.

Rev.  Sr.  Nneka was their offspring that was called into religious vocation.

The family is known for their generosity, hospitality, and hard work, this was even as they lived up the faith in bringing up their children morally, academically and spiritually.

Rev.  Sr. Nneka started her religious vocational formation first with a postulancy in 1995-1996 while in 1998, she had her Novitiate and her first Religious Profession while her Perpetual Profession was done in 2004.

She had worked in different schools including primary, secondary and tertiary institutions and is currently a staff member at the University of Abuja.

Highlights of the event included book launch, cutting of  the jubilee cake and music performance by the Akanchawa crooner, Prince Gozie Okeke.

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