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…

Nursing mothers go into hiding in Imo – As kidnappers target babies, shoot parents of victims

Families with new born babies in Imo State now live in fear, as the incidence of abduction of such babies and shooting of parents continues to rise. The latest incident was that of five-month-old Chidiogu, daughter of Mr. Kingsley Igwegbe and Mrs. Ugochi Igwegbu of Umuzike Orlu, who was snatched at gun point from her mother, as the woman was about to enter the family house.  They had shot Mrs. Igwegbe on the thigh.  Consequently, she is now lying critically ill at the Imo State University Teaching Hospital  IMSUTH Orlu while the whereabouts of the abducted baby remains unknown. It would be recalled that a similar incident took place at Durukwu Umuebele in Okporo Orlu…

David Mark’s Convoy Attacked by Gun Men in Imo

Senate President, David Mark last Thursday escaped death as his convoy was allegedly attacked by yet to be identified gunmen in Orlu, Imo State. According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Paul Mumeh Friday night, the attack occurred in Orlu Senatorial Zone of the state. The incident happened when the Senate Present went to Nkwere, Imo state to attend the burial ceremony of late business mogul, Sir John Richard Anyaehie. Mark lamented that the attack happened a moment when a great philanthropist like Anyaehie was being buried, adding that it was not what should be expected in a senatorial district like Orlu. He described late Anyaehie as a truthful…

Prof. Awuzie calls for Catholic University in Orlu

The Vice-Chancellor of the Imo State University, Owerri, Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie has called for the establishment of a Catholic University in Orlu Diocese, Imo State. Speaking during an award ceremony organized by the Orlu Diocesan Laity Council at the Holy Trinity Cathedral Orlu, Prof. Awuzie said the establishment of a Catholic University in Orlu will help absorb thousands of Imo State candidates who could not be admitted into the Imo State University Owerri and the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO). Prof. Awuzie, who was the chairman of the occasion, revealed that of about 140,000 candidates who applied for admission in IMSU and FUTO, only about 10,000 candidates could be admitted in the two universities. …

Lectures begin at Imo State Polytechnic, Orlu Campus

The Imo State Polytechnic Umuagwo recently moved some courses like Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Building Technology, Computer Technology among others to Orlu Campus according to the directive of the State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha. The school which was located inside TESAI, opposite Bishop Shanahan College Orlu has only few lecture halls with administrative block. Meanwhile the state government is working hard toward putting other essential facilities in order to make the place conducive for the students and the management. When The Leader visited the school, students were seen taking lectures while those who are through with their own were going home. In a chart with The Leader, a student of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mr….

KSM Promotes 600 to 4th degree at Okigwe – As Bishop Amatu warns on superstitious beliefs

The Order of the Knights of St. Mulumba Nigeria, Saturday. February 1, 2014, in a colourful ceremony, admitted to the 4th Degree of the order no fewer than 600 Knights and their Ladies. Held at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception Okigwe, the event’s high points included the induction and the investiture of the candidates during a Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Bishop of Okigwe, Most Rev. Solomon A. Amatu, assisted by the Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Dr. Simon Anyanwu, Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter Anyanwu, Editor Sage, Rev. Fr. Onyedikachi Agoawike and many other priests. The head of the Order in Nigeria, Chief Anthony Onuh (Supreme Knight), the Noble President (LSM), Lady Ngor…

It’s ‘Who is Who’ at Orlu Laity Council day

The Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria, CLCN, Orlu Diocese blazed the trail on Saturday, January 25, 2014 as it pulled the crème de la crème of Orlu Catholic Diocese to the Holy Trinity Cathedral Orlu.  The assemblage cuts across all fields of human endeavour – academics, politicians, captains of industry, business moguls etc. The occasion was the Maiden Laity Day and installation of Patrons/Patronesses and Pillars of the Laity in Orlu Diocese.  In most parishes and dioceses, Catholics pay little or no attention to activities of the laity. Some parishes don’t even have laity council. The ceremony began with a concelebrated Pontifical Mass presided over by His Lordship, Most Rev. Augustine Ukwuoma, Catholic Bishop of…

SECURITY CHALLENGES, LAW ENFORCEMENT AND UNEMPLOYMENT IN ORLU 2

SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS The challenges of security, law enforcement and unemployment cannot be wished away but a careful consideration and reevaluations will ensure a remarkable improvement of the security services and infrastructures of law enforcement that ensures a sustainable social justice system. The best way to improve the security system is to build a military cantonment in Orlu town centre preferably, now, besides NEPA to ensure proper engagement of violent crimes. The state government can build and hand over to the army such a compact cantonment   with an existing prototype by St Dominic’s, yaba Lagos. This will be complimented by the rules of convergence of police units from all over the state to give sustainable backups…

SECURITY CHALLENGES, LAW ENFORCEMENT AND UNEMPLOYMENT IN ORLU

Society is always in a mercurial state of flux. Hopefully change should be for the better and not for the worse. Every community has to rise to the challenges of modernism and concretize its legitimate aspirations or betray them. For Orlu, the greatest challenges remain the problems created by insecurity, poor law enforcement and a high level of unemployment.   THE SECURITY CHALLENGES The broad spectrums of security challenges are very remarkable in Orlu which has driven away potential investors from the historical town which perhaps is an emerging commercial centre. Daily reports of Kidnapping and armed robberies are of rampant occurrences and the uses of narcotics very high. The Banks in the historical town…

ORLU: Principal applauds Okorocha

The Principal of Comprehensive Secondary School Nkume, Njaba LGA, Mr. Ambrose Onyekwuo, has applauded the State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha for maintaining his promise on free education from primary to tertiary level in the state.   He disclosed this while briefing journalists in his office.   He also commended the Governor for making education his priority and having the interest of Imolites at heart.   Mazi Onyekwuo expressed his profound gratitude to the Governor on the laudable projects in the state especially in the education sector such as the  free school uniform, desks, monthly allowances to all pupils in public schools, building and reconstruction of some dilapidated classroom blocks as well as prompt payment of…

Owerri Provincial Catholic Women end Seminar at Ahiara Diocese – Mothers charged on Holiness

The Vicar-General of Ahiara Diocese representing His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Apostolic Administrator of the diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Louis Asiegbu, has charged the mothers of Owerri Provincial Council of Catholic Women Organization (OPCCWO) to aspire for holiness after the heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ whom they are following.  He gave this charge in his opening remarks during their annual seminar held at Sacred Heart Parish Nguru Centre Ahiara Diocese, Saturday, September 28, 2013. Rev. Fr. Asiegbu reminded the mothers that all our efforts to achieve heaven are in vain if we are not holy.  Referring to “Love in Action”, which is the topic of the seminar, he assured that…

Bishop Ukwuoma visits St. Michael’s Parish Urualla, confirms 498

The Catholic Bishop of Orlu, Most Rev. Augustine Ukwuoma has concluded a two-day pastoral visit to St. Michael’s Parish Urualla, Ideato North LGA, Imo State. On his arrival at the parish, the Bishop was received by the Parish Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Okonkwo, his Assistant, Rev. Fr. Tobias Ihionu and the entire parishioners, who trooped out en masse to receive the local ordinary of the diocese. Delivering a homily during the Eucharistic celebration, Bishop Ukwuoma pointed out that pastoral visit was the duty of the bishops in all dioceses to know how evangelization was being carried out among the people of any area.  He said that it was also the duty of the bishop…

KSM: Mgbidi Sub-Council promotes six to 2nd Degree

The Knights of St. Mulumba Nigeria (KSM), Mater Ecclesiae Sub-Council Mgbidi, Orlu diocese has raised six brothers to the Second Degree.  The wives of the knights whom they call Sisters were similarly promoted. The investiture ceremony which took place at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Mgbidi on June 30, 2013 started with a concelebrated Mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Ray Alaneme of Orlu diocese, assisted by the Parish Rector, Rev. Fr. Dr. Eugene Dike, his Assistant, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ilozurike and the Sub-Council Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Francis Amadi. In his sermon during the Mass, Fr. Alaneme reflected on the readings of the day and the just concluded retreat in the parish and called on the…

Bishop Ukwuoma commissions retired priests’ home, media complex – Marks 5th Episcopal ordination

The Catholic Bishop of Orlu, Most Rev. Augustine Ukwuoma has commissioned the Diocesan Retired Priests’ Home and the Archangel Gabriel Media Complex. The events were part of the activities marking the 5th anniversary of his Episcopal ordination. The occasion, which took place at the Orlu Diocesan Human Development Centre, where the two projects were situated, attracted personalities, friends and well wishers who came from far and near to witness the ceremony. Delivering a homily at the Mass Bishop Ukwuoma described the event as a thanksgiving to God for the gift of the diocese.  He recalled when the diocese was part of the old Owerri diocese before it was carved out on November 29, 1980 and…

Sir Anthony Nwamadi Kamalu – From Messenger to Auditor General Ag.

They say Rome was not built in a day, neither were the events that led to a humble but bright young man rising from messenger to management at a Government department in Imo State. The man recently appointed Auditor General Ag. Sir Anthony Nwamadi Kamalu was formerly a messenger. But the ambitious youngster set his sight on the big office, from day one. He got there two  months ago through hard work and determination. Notwithstanding, it took him 33 years and a fair amount of grey hair. Clad in brown and sitting behind a neat spread of files, Sir Anthony, just back from a meeting and preparing for another, took a quick look at himself…

420 indigent widows empowered in Imo

Over 420 widows from the three zones of Imo State – Owerri, Orlu, Okigwe, have been empowered by the Janet Dozie Foundation a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) established by Mr. Paschal Gabriel Dozie and his wife, Chinyere Dozie in memory of his late mother, Mama Janet Dozie. The alleviation programme which took place at Villa Maria Guest House Owerri came ahead of June 23, International Day for Widows endorsed by the United Nations. Addressing the widows, Mr. Paschal Dozie challenged them to focus on God who knows about their situation.  Mr. Dozie said with great determination, anchored on relentless prayers to God, they will surely succeed in all their life endeavours. He encouraged the widows to…

Irish Sister honoured for her “Save Igbo People Campaign”

-As Royal Father tasks Nigerians  over humanitarian services An Irish Reverend Sister, a septuagenarian, Mary Conchita McDonnel, has been honoured with the “Nwanne di namba” chieftaincy title by the Ihioma Community in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State. The honour was in appreciation of the thousands of lives saved in the community during the Biafra-Nigeria war through the “Save Igbo People” campaign which the Reverend Sister, who was then in her twenties mounted in Europe and America. The conferment of the title  was celebrated by the entire community  at the palace of the traditional ruler  HRH (Sir) John Nwosu, Eze Idinoba Ojiudo of Isiokwu-Ihioma. The ceremony attracted not only illustrious sons and daughters of…

Orlu celebrates Archbishop Brian Udaigwe

It was a joyful and memorable day, Saturday, May 13, 2013 at Holy Trinity Cathedral Orlu, as the diocese trooped out en masse to receive Archbishop Brian Udaigwe, who was recently appointed a Titular Archbishop of Suelli and Apostolic Nuncio to Benin Republic.  The occasion began with a Pontifical Holy Mass officiated by Archbishop Brian Udaigwe himself. Delivering a homily during the Mass, the Bishop Emeritus of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev. Gregory Ochiagha described it as an occasion for thanksgiving and the first official Holy Mass of the new Archbishop.  The Prelate noted that within five years, the diocese of Orlu had been blessed with two Bishops to perpetuate the work of Christ.  He added…

Imo State Government honours Archbishop Udaigwe

The Imo State Government at the weekened rolled out red carpet for the Most Rev. Dr. Brian Udaigwe, a son of the State, who was recently appointed Titular Archbishop of Suelli and assigned   the office of Apostolic Nuncio to Benin by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. The reception which took place at the prestigious Women of Divine Destiny Initiative (WODDI) Centre New Owerri attracted members of the Imo State Exco, the legislature and the clergy from various denominations. In his speech on the occasion the State Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha said Imo State was thankful to God for giving them a nuncio. Okorocha stressed that the state was honouring the Nuncio “not just because I…

Silver Jubilee anniversary: An act of thanksgiving – Bishop Ukwuoma

–     As Prof. & Mrs. Tony Uzoma clock 25 years in marriage It was all joy and merriments as Prof. Anthony Uwandu-Uzoma and Mrs. Beatrice Ifeyinwa Uzoma marked their silver jubilee wedding anniversary at St. Gregory’s Catholic Parish Amaigbo, Nwangele LGA, Imo State on Saturday, May 11, 2013. The silver jubilee celebration commenced with a concelebrated Eucharistic Mass presided over by the chief shepherd of Orlu diocese, Most Rev. Dr. A.T. Ukwuoma and assisted by about 50 priests from different dioceses of Igboland, including Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Ibole, Vicar-General Owerri Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Dr. Alphonsus Oha, Chancellor, Owerri Archdiocese and Rev. Fr. Prof. Louis Asiegbu of the Federal University of Technology Owerri. Delivering a…