Dame Eunice Eruchalu with family members
…Charges new Knights, Dames to uphold Christian values, win souls for Christ
By Akuma Ebere
All Saints’ Cathedral, Onitsha, was agog recently as no fewer than 82 men and women were formally welcomed into the Order of the Knighthood of St Christopher in a solemn investiture ceremony presided over by the Bishop on the Niger, His Lordship, Rt. Rev’d Dr Owen Chidozie Nwokolo.
Sir Arthur Obiora Chinetugo (Ebubedike Ndigbo)
The colourful ceremony, which attracted clergy, family members, friends and well-wishers, marked the elevation of distinguished lay faithful who have over the years contributed immensely to the growth of the Church and society.
In his charge to the newly invested Knights and Dames, Bishop Nwokolo urged them to remain steadfast in the good works they were already known for, stressing the need to protect the image of St Christopher, proclaim the Word of God and work tirelessly to win souls for Christ.
He reminded them that knighthood in the Church is a divine call to service.
According to the bishop, the Knights and Dames are soldiers of Christ who must live exemplary lives, adding that only through commitment, humility and service can they truly fulfil the divine mandate upon them.
Among those invested were Dame Eunice Obiageli Eruchalu, Sir Arthur Obiora, Mr Kenechukwu C. Ndibe (Oban’abo Awka), among many others.
Speaking after the ceremony, Dame Eunice Eruchalu expressed profound gratitude to God for the honour bestowed on her. She recounted her personal life journey, disclosing that she single-handedly raised her children after the early death of her husband. She advised women not to give up in the face of challenges, noting that God remains the husband to widows.
She thanked Bishop Nwokolo and all who found her worthy of the honour, praying God to continue to uplift and strengthen him for greater service in the Diocese.
Her children, Mrs. Ifeoma Ekwenugo and Barrister Chinenye Eruchalu, also expressed joy over their mother’s elevation, congratulating her and praying for greater promotion in God’s vineyard. They equally appreciated family members and well-wishers who came to celebrate with them, praying for God’s protection upon all.
On his part,President Emeritus Ohaneze ndigbo world youth president,Chief Sir Arthur Uchenna Obiora (Ebubedike Igbonine Chinetugo Oba), expressed happiness over his investiture and prayed for divine grace to uphold the oath and constitution of the Order.
He thanked the Bishop on the Niger and all those who contributed to the success of the ceremony.
Other family members, relatives, friends and well-wishers who congratulated the newly inducted Knights of St. Christopher included High Chief Mike Nwakalor (Omeluora Omambala), Nwabunnaya, Egbuefi Onyeobuna Jebeuka, among others.
They thanked God for the successful ceremony and wished the new knights greater growth and promotion in the Christian faith.
They prayed that, having received a church title, the inductees would also be honored with community titles. They further prayed that, as they had received good things on this day, they would continue to enjoy God’s blessings, long life and good health.
They urged the newly inducted knights to represent Christ in all their endeavours both within the Church and in society and to work diligently to fulfill the purpose for which the title was bestowed.
The event ended on a note of thanksgiving and celebration, as the newly invested Knights and Dames were urged to remain shining examples
of faith, service and dedication to God and humanity.
