By Amarachukwu Okpunobi
On Sunday, April 27, 2025, St Theresa’s Catholic Church Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, celebrated its Jubilee Diamond Elders, a special occasion honoring parishioners aged 70 and above. The event coincided with Divine Mercy Sunday and featured a Holy Mass, swearing-in of new Divine Mercy Society members, and an outdoor celebration.
The homilist, Rev Fr Dunu, emphasized the importance of faith, mercy, and serving as role models for the younger generation. He encouraged the celebrants to continue practicing corporal works of mercy and devotion to Divine Mercy prayers.
In his remarks, the Parish Priest, Rev Fr Christopher Ezeonu, highlighted the blessings the elderly members brought to the Church through their wisdom and love. He prayed for their good health and healing for those who were sick.
Notably, one of the celebrants, Msgr. Sylvester Mgbemfulu, was specially recognized for his significant contributions to the formation of priests and religious, including the Parish Priest, who was his student. The oldest of the Jubilee Diamond Elders, Nze Christopher Nnagbo (Osoluka Nibo) – aged 102 years, was among the esteemed guests honored during the occasion.
The Chairman of the event, Chief Anthony Ikechukwu Egede, praised the celebrants for their remarkable journey on earth. He added that longevity of life was evidence of God’s love and as such must be appreciated, especially by the younger generation who would love to attain such length in life.
The celebration featured grand entrance of the Jubilee Diamond Elders, cutting of cake, and other festivities. The celebrants were decorated with sashes awarded by the Church and their respective zones in the parish in recognition of their dedication and service.
Below are the list of the Jubilee Diamond Elders with their respective ages:
Jubilee Diamond Elders
1.Rev. Msgr. Sylvester Mgbemfulu – 80 yrs
2.Mr. Fidelis Nweke (Catechist) – 76 yrs
St. Peter’s Zone1.Mrs. Josephine Anene (Nwaakwo) – 85 yrs2.Ozo Sir Emmanuel Chikaodinaka Chiedu (Ewenete
Ozo) – 85 yrs
3.Ozo Edward Ele (Arubalueze) – 80 yrs
4.Hon. Sir Raymond O. Okeke (Omenanya) – 80 yrs
5.Nze Emmanuel Ezeh (Uloko) – 79 yrs
6.Mrs. Felicia Nsiegbe (Iruezigbomadu) – 78 yrs
- Mrs. Theresa Awaiji – 78 yrs
8.Ojiefi Lady Ngozi Grace Chiedu (Eleti) – 78 yrs
St. Mary’s Zone
1.Mrs. Beatrice Asiegbu (Egbe Oyibo) – 89 yrs
2.Chief Dr. Sir D.E.O. Obiano, KSM – 85 yrs
3.Mrs. Ilozor Josephine – 80 yrs
4.Mrs. Angelina Nweke – 76 yrs
5.Mrs. Patricia Anene (Ngala Kwesiri) – 75 yrs
6.Mrs. Ezeanyika Roseline Nwamodo – 75 yrs
7.Ojiefi Lolo Victoria Onyi – 75 yrs
8.Mrs. Francisca Obianuju Nwankwo – 75 yrs
9.Lady Patience I. Udeogu – 75 yrs
10.Mrs. Elizabeth Obiano (Ntuoyi) – 75 yrs
St. Christopher’s Zone
1.Nze Christopher Nnagbo (Osoluka Nibo) – 102 yrs
2.Mr. Dominic Ugagu (Onyemachaluwelu) – 90 yrs
3.Mrs. Lucy Ugagu – 87 yrs
4.Mr. Emmanuel Okeke (Nze Azubueze) – 83 yrs
5.Chief Nwobu Edward (Nze Onyeogazilu) – 75 yrs
6.Mr. James Uche Alocha (Ozomafulukwe) – 75 yrs
St. Michael’s Zone
1.Mrs. Muokwe Theresa Nwudeafor – 95 yrs
2.Mrs. Louisa N. Okeke – 90 yrs
3.Mrs. Theresa Ezeani – 87 yrs
4.Mrs. Obi Caroline (Gold) – 85 yrs
5.Mr. Nkemaka Christopher – 84 yrs
6.Mrs. Enwelu Josephine – 83 yrs
7.Mr. Christopher Nwegwu – 83 yrs
8.Mrs. Mercy Oguejiofor – 83 yrs
9.Mrs. Nwosu Priscilia (Nwamaraife) – 79 yrs
10.Ojiefi Roseline Aguowo (Ojiefi Aguowo) – 78 yrs
11.Mr. Albert Agha – 77 yrs
12.Mr. Nwosu Emmanuel – 77 yrs
St. Lawrence Zone
1.Mr. Innocent Enemuo (Omiri) – 78 yrs
2.Mrs. Victoria C. Okoye – 78 yrs
3.Mr. Eze Titus Amazuilo (Ndubuluilulo) – 75 yrs
St. Martin’s Zone
1.Mrs. Ezewudo Elizabeth Egoyibo (Queen Onyenchileze) – 89 yrs
2.Mr. Anene Innocent – 78 yrs
3.Mr. Ugwu Wilfred – 77 yrs
Mother of Mercy
1.Ozo Michael Nnebe – 77 yrs
