Fides Media Living the Faith
By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The General Overseer of Tree of Life Gospel Ministry Incorporated, Nanka, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Most Rev Dr Jerry Dada Obi, last Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, at Bishop’s House, Nodu,Okpuno, Awka, in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Most Rev Obi, alongside his faithful, top indigenes of Nanka; including the National Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and Anambra State Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ichie Damian Okeke-Ogene, as well as the member representing Orumba North and South Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon Princess Chinwe Nnabuife, separately eulogized the Local Ordinary.
Speaking on the essence of the visit, Most Rev Dada Obi said that he was at the bishop’s house to pledge his unalloyed support and loyalty to Bishop Ezeokafor whom he described as a respected figure and a great son of Nanka, stating that he would not forget in a hurry how the Bishop visited his house and condoled with him when he was bereaved.
‘I was greatly touched seeing Bishop Ezeokafor in my house during my grieving moment. It was the burial of my son and the Catholic Prelate walked in and spent the majority of his time with me and my household. I cannot forget that day.
‘Bishop Ezeokafor came in with lots of blessings. After that visit my wife who hardly walked became whole again. My wife can now move around. It was indeed a miracle. Bishop Ezeokafor left my house, leaving us with so much blessings and testimonies.
‘We felt his presence. I am here today to say thank you your Lordship for the way and manner you have been shepherding the flock after all these years. I am here to tap from your fountain of blessings.
‘My Lord Bishop, I want you to bless and pray for me again and again. I am happy to be in your presence. I came with my people to say a very big thank you for all your good work in and around Awka Catholic Diocese. I came to pay homage to you. You’re a father figure for me and my family. Please keep praying for me. Continue to direct and advise me,’ Most Rev Dada Obi said.
Earlier, the Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and Chairman, Board of Trustees of Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), Ichie Damian Okeke-Ogene, paid a glowing tribute to Bishop Ezeokafor, saying that his humility and kind disposition remained worthy of emulation and worthy of note.
He appealed to the Prelate to continue with his laudable projects and leadership qualities, saying that he shared a lot in common with Bishop Ezeokafor.
For her part, the member representing Orumba North and South Federal Constituency, Hon Princess Chinwe Nnabuife, commended the Bishop for galvanizing the diocese and making it the envy of all. Hon Nnabuife asked for the bishop’s blessings and prayers.
Highpoints of the visit included exchange of pleasantries, group photographs, talks, among others.