Emeakaroha draws Europe to Nigeria as Chinwendu weds Chimaobi

- Bishop Amatu lauds Archbishop Obinna over Odenigbo The wedding between Engr. Dr. Chimaobi Vincent Emeakaroha, son of Prince Sir Mayor Eugene and Lady Juliana Emeakaroha and Miss Chinwendu Peace Ike at St. Peter’s Catholic Parish Umunohu/Amakohia Ihitte/Uboma LGA, Imo State, could best be said to be an international melting pot as a galaxy of Catholic clergy, the religious and academic bigwigs from Europe stormed the ceremony. Most Rev. Solomon Amatu, Catholic Bishop of Okigwe, was the chief celebrant of the Mass.  He was assisted by Permanent Rev. Deacon Othomar Josef  Ableidinger (Austria), Rev. Fr. Dr. Emeka Emeakaroha (Austria) and over 60 Nigerian priests among them Rev. Fr. Dr. Kevin Madu (host Parish Priest) and…

Umuna Community threatens to shut down govt business – over flood menace

The people of Uzoubi Community in Orlu LGA of Imo State have threatened to shut down all government businesses in the area to compel the authorities to come to their rescue over the incessant flooding that have been ravaging their homes, livestock as well as farmlands. Our correspondent, Chukwudi Udechi who visited the flooded  Umuna community, reported that the victims are planning a peaceful demonstration to press home their plight. In a chat with THE LEADER, an indigene of the community, Mr. Gabriel Ibemere disclosed that the issue of flooding in Umuna, particularly Uzoubi, is something that occurs every year and which has affected the community so badly.  He stressed that the recent heavy downpour…

KSM Mbama zone ends recollection at St. Anthony’s Umunkwo

Knights and Ladies of St. Mulumba Nigeria, Mbama Zone of Ugiri Subordinate Council, Okigwe Diocese, converged at St. Anthony’s Parish Umunkwo, Isiala Mbano LGA, March 23, 2014 for their quarterly recollection at the instance of one of their own, Bro. (Barr.) Emma Osuji and Sister (Lady) Ebere Osuji. The event which attracted friends and colleagues of the host from far and near kicked off with a Eucharistic sacrifice which had Rev. Fr. Dr. Vincent Oguh, Parish Priest, St. Anthony’s Umunkwo as chief celebrant. In his sermon, the clergyman observed with regret that knights, rather than being supported in their good works for the church, are bombarded with barrage of skepticism and criticisms and cautioned against…

Feast of Unborn Child: KSM Owerri Sub-Council carries campaign against abortion to Girls College

The Knights and Ladies of St. Mulumba, Owerri Sub-Council, celebrated the Feast of the Unborn Child at Owerri Girls Secondary School on Tuesday, March 25, 2014. The pro-life campaign was led by Dr. E.C. Agulana (KSM) Worthy Physician of the Sub-Council and Lady Stella Achunine (LSM) Worthy Vice-President/Health Co-ordinator Owerri Archdiocese. They enlightened the students on the evils of abortion and the need to preserve life at all costs. To drive home the lesson, a video film produced in Kenya was shown to the staff and students of the school.  The film deals with the implications and complications of abortion. Our correspondent said the students were visibly touched by the horror of abortion as evidenced…

JDPC Seminar: Why Catholic Church is interested in National Confab – Fr. Osuagwu

-As Okonkwo advises priests not to be partisan in politics An erudite cleric,  and former co-ordinator, Justice, Development and Peace Committee JDPC Owerri province, Rev. Fr. Innocent Maduakolam Osuagwu has given reasons why the Catholic Church is interested in the on-going National Conference in Abuja. In a paper he presented at a seminar organized by the JDPC of Owerri Archdiocese prior to the commencement of the Confab, Fr. Osuagwu gave seven reasons why the Church is interested in the conference: -     The Church wants to compassionately associate herself with the destiny of her host nation and member-citizens, and the effort to do everything to correct anomalies and enthrone uprightness (righteousness); recalling the many years of…

Owerri mechanics to relocate to Avu – Gov. Okorocha appeals for cooperation

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has advised mechanics operating in Owerri and environs to co-operate in the effort to relocate them to Avu Mechanic Cluster with an assurance that government intends to provide modern facilities, including a uniform specification for workshop buildings. The governor who spoke during an interactive meeting with mechanics at Ahiajoku Convention Centre stressed the need to sanitize the urban profile of the state capital with the relocation of mechanics and other artisans to a more conducive environment. Calling on the mechanics to embrace the good intentions of government by peacefully moving out of their present locations, including Orji and Nekede mechanic villages, Governor Okorocha assured that those who own workshop…

Catholic Church submerged by flood in Orlu

Words couldn’t expressed what was seen at St. Joseph’s Parish Umuna Orlu LGA, Imo State as the whole church both inside and outside was submerged by flood following a heavy downpour on Sunday night, March 30, 2014 that lasted for several hours. When THE LEADER correspondent, Chukwudi Udechi visited the parish at about 7am, some parishioners who came for morning Mass without knowing that a terrible thing has happened, were seen trying their best to scoop out the flood that covered both the altar where the blessed sacrament was kept and the sacristy where the sacred vessels and other religious  items were kept. When THE LEADER sought to know the cause of the flood that…

Holy Trinity Parish W/Bank celebrates her Mothers’ day in grand style

The dignity of womanhood restored through the Blessed Virgin Mary Holy Trinity Catholic Parish World Bank Owerri last Sunday, March 30, 2014 joined the rest of Christendom to celebrate this year’s Mother’s Day. The highlights of the occasion were the Award of “Men of Divine Destiny” selected members of the Catholic Men Organization (CMO) and “Faithful Mothers” to some selected members of the Catholic Women Organization (CWO) and the cutting of the Mother’s Day cake. The Eucharistic celebration had the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Nicholas Ijemaru as principal celebrant assisted by Rev. Frs. Philip Opara and Francis Onuoha. Preaching the sermon, Fr. Ijemaru, who announced that day’s theme as: “God that searches the heart”, called…

Plan underway for Catholic University …In Owerri Archdiocese

There are strong indications that the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri is planning to establish a Catholic University within its area of jurisdiction to be known as “Assumpta University”. This fact was in an address delivered on Saturday March 22, 2014 to members of the Owerri Catholic Archdiocesan Pastoral Council at Obiri Odenigbo, Maria Assumpta Cathedral Owerri by His Grace, Most Rev. Anthony J.V. Obinna, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri. According to the chief shepherd, “in the light of the increased number of Catholic primary and secondary schools in the Archdiocese (200 now), turning out potential candidates for the university, the need to have a Catholic University, “Assumpta University” has been pushing itself up”. The prelate…

Governor Okorocha orders arrest of contractors for non-performance at Ehime-Mbano

Ehime Mbano people on March 26, 2014 cried out against neglect by contractors who they said collected colossal sums of money from the coffers of the state and local government but failed to execute projects duly awarded to them. Startling revelations were made as the state governor visited Ehime Mbano LGA on inspection of projects and evaluation. The Governor was worried that developmental projects geared towards providing dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots were being aborted and sabotaged by various contactors who collected heavy sums of money but failed to execute projects. The State Governor who was visibly infuriated had to order security agents to arrest some of the defaulting contractors. According…

KSM: Sancta Maria Sub-Council celebrates feast of Unborn Child, as priest condemns euthanasia

The Knights and Ladies of St. Mulumba, Sancta Maria Sub-Council, Owerri joined their counterparts in Nigeria to celebrate the feast of the Unborn Child, March 25, 2014. The International Year of the Unborn Child is observed on March 25.  It was established by Pope John Paul II to coincide with the feast of Annunciation. The occasion began with Mass celebrated at the Claret Chapel New Owerri by Rev. Fr. Stanley Ogaraku (Cmf), who represented the Chaplain of the sub-Council, Rev. Fr. Christian Eke (Cmf). In his sermon, Fr. Ogaraku reflected on the readings and highlighted the role played by Blessed Virgin Mary in the salvation of man. On the feast of the Unborn Child, Fr….

UBA donates modern incubators to Holy Rosary Hospital Emekuku

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc., has donated two ultra-modern incubators to the Holy Rosary Hospital Emekuku, Owerri. The donation was facilitated by the UBA Foundation, a social welfare arm of the bank.  An incubator is an enclosed apparatus which provides a controlled environment for the care and protection of premature babies. Presenting the equipment to the hospital March 31, UBA Regional Bank Head Owerri, Sir Ray Ahumibe said the donation was to complement the hospital’s efforts towards the fight against infant mortality. Sir Ahumibe commended the good work going on in Emekuku hospital and expressed optimism that the health institution would put the equipment into good use. Receiving the incubators, the Director of…

Cleric tasks Christians on humility, obedience, says it is road to success

Christians have been advised to sustain their faith and obedience to God in order to conquer the problems of this world. The Cathedral Administrator of Orlu Diocese, Rev. Fr. Isidore Madueke gave the admonition during a Eucharistic celebration held at Holy Trinity Cathedral Parish Orlu, March 17, 2014. He described faith, humility and obedience as the important tools which every human being need in order to conquer problems in their lives.  He pointed out that Abraham whose faith and obedience were so great that he successfully overcame all his predicaments and God blessed him and his generation, which we are part of. Fr. Maduke stressed on the need for Christians to abstain from sin as…

Feast of Annunciation: Holy Rosary Sub-Council drums support for the unborn child

The Knights and Ladies of Holy Rosary Sub-Council Owerri held a pro-life rally along major streets of Owerri, March 25 to commemorate the Feast of Annunciation and to solicit protection for the unborn child. The Feast of the Annunciation, celebrated March 25 every year, marks the Angel Gabriel’s appearance to Virgin Mary (Lk 1:26-38) during which he told her that she had been chosen to be the Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The feast also celebrates Our Lady’s fiat – i.e. her willing acceptance of God’s holy plan. Two examples that highlight the importance of the feast are First Joyful Mystery of the Rosary and the Angelus. The theme of the rally is: “The…

IMSUTH gets new CMD, Board Chairman

The Imo State Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha has appointed Dr. Fredrick Anoele as the new Chief Medical Director of Imo State University Teaching Hospital Orlu and Mrs. Caroline Amadi as the Board Chairman respectively  the two appointees have since assumed duties. Also appointed along with them is a new Accountant for the institution. Dr. Frederick Anoele succeeded the former CMD, Dr. Chijioke Nzewuihe while Mrs. Caroline Amadi took over from Dr. Vin Udokwu. Meanwhile, some staff of the institution have accused the leadership of the past administration of the institution of irregularities in the way certain issues were handled.  They have blamed them for some difficulties being experienced by staff and patients in the hospital…

Monk donates Babies’ Home to Missionary Sisters in Anambra

A Monk, Reverend Brother John-Mary Ihizue has handed over Mary Perpetual Help Foundation Community Children’s Home, Nkpor Idemili North Local Government area of Anambra State to Missionary Sisters of Virgo Potens as his gift to Catholic Church. Performing the ceremony at the home, Bro. Ihizue charged the missionary sisters to use the Help Foundation and touch the lives of the less privileged in the society, noting that the foundation was his vow to God when he was in the monastery. Brother Ihizue also disclosed that he never set up the home as money making venture, and was moved to do the handover following his ill-health condition which according to him never gives him the strength…

Students’ Cohabitation, Church raises Alarm

It is simply unacceptable!  Male and female undergraduate students are living together and sharing rooms in privately owned University accommodations. Many observers say it is not a problem of shortage of hostels but perhaps a fast increasing sense of a permissive culture that is destroying the moral fabric of our society. Living on the same floor of the same building and using the same toilets and bathrooms surely stokes the embers of sexual immorality. Information that this ugly situation is occurring at different private accommodations built for Imo State University students and their peers in other tertiary institutions, has filtered into the ears of the church. His Grace, the Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Anthony…

2015: Shun imposition of candidates – Prof. Nnamdi Obiareri advises voters

A legal luminary, Prof. Nnamdi Obiareri has enjoined political power brokers in Imo State to allow democracy flourish by allowing the people choose who will best represent their interest. Prof. Nnamdi Obiareri gave this advice during a courtesy visit to political stakeholders at Umualumaku, Ehime Mbano L.G.A. of Imo state, March 14, 2014. He told our reporter that it is undemocratic, despicable, condemnable, unacceptable and against the tenets of the rule of law, African Charter on Human Rights and acceptable democratic practice when political leaders impose their preferred candidates on the people. The politician believed that the nascent democracy should be allowed to thrive when the majority of the people are allowed to choose among…

Pro-Life Rally: KSM Assumpta Sub-Council holds Anti-abortion Rally, Lectures

Knights and Ladies of St. Mulumba, Assumpta Sub-Council Owerri, Saturday, March 22, 2014 marched through some streets in Owerri, the Imo State Capital, carrying placards with various inscriptions to sensitize the public on the evils of abortion. Some of the placards read: Say No to abortion! Abortion is Deadly! Abortion is Sin against God and Humanity! The demonstrators took off from their Hall at Mulumba Catholic Parish along Wetheral Road in Owerri, led by their Worthy Grand Knight, Chief Alban Ohiri, who is also the Liaison Grand Knight for Owerri Zone (KSM).  They marched from Wetheral Road through Mbaise and Douglas Roads to Emmanuel College from where they branched into Wetheral Road again returning to…

New Owerri residents raise alarm over crazy electricity bills – Want Imo House of Assembly to intervene

The residents of World Bank and Site and Services Estates both in New Owerri have raised fresh alarm over crazy bills by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) formerly PHCN. The residents, especially those of Site and Services, made reference to the March 2014 bills, saying it is crazy and unacceptable.  THE LEADER investigations reveal that EEDC slammed bills of more than N11000 to most of the residents Chief Gabriel Okafor, who led a delegation of the residents to protest against crazy bills in 2013, regretted that nothing has happened after the March 2013 protest. He told THE LEADER in an interview that crazy bills are still being received. He noted that their demand for…