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From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
The Umuawulu community in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State witnessed a remarkable expression of faith, unity and generosity last weekend, as a church building and priests’ residence built by High Chief (Dr.) Christopher Ndubuisi (Ikenga Umuawulu) was officially dedicated.
The atmosphere was filled with reverence, thanksgiving and celebration as indigenes, guests and well-wishers gathered to witness what many have described as a defining moment in the spiritual history of the community
The church, St. Christopher Catholic Church, Umuawulu, according to the donor, is a spiritual offering to God, a project that is more than a physical structure—it is a legacy of faith, sacrifice and total submission to God’s will.
The dedication ceremony, officiated by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, and graced by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, Bishop Jonas Benson, attracted high-profile dignitaries, including the Deputy Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Pius Okoye, the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Joel Egwuonwu, members of the clergy, Senator Victor Umeh, businessman and socialite, Chief Obinna Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana), and other notable personalities from different walks of life.
The occasion turned to a convergence of spiritual authorities, cultural heritage and civic leadership, featuring prayers, blessings and symbolic rites that marked the official opening of the church for worship.
Bishop Ezeokafor, in remarks during the dedication, applauded the remarkable generousity and other acts of lifting the poor and empowering the underprivileged, which Ikenga Umuawulu has undertaken over the years.
“I thank him, his family and friends for such a gracious gift to the Church. I am well aware that this good act of theirs was inspired by their belief in life eternal, which the resurrection of Jesus Christ denotes. I pray that these houses will help all those who use them to contemplate their eternal home in heaven,” Bishop Ezeokafor prayed.
At the event, Ikenga Umuawulu revealed that the project was inspired by God, while he was also encouraged by his friends who had earlier built for God, noting that their acts of devotion ignited a deep desire within him to also contribute meaningfully to the work of God.
He expressed profound joy and fulfillment at seeing the vision come to life, describing it as a personal and spiritual milestone. He said the journey was not without challenges, but faith, consistency, and divine grace saw him through to its completion.
He further emphasised that his guiding philosophy, “Let Love Lead,” played a central role in bringing the vision to life, adding that love for God and humanity remains the foundation of true service.
Stressing the spiritual significance of the project, he noted that what he did was the work of God and part of the propagation of the Gospel of Christ. He also reminded attendees that there is power in holding onto Christ, worshipping Him wholeheartedly and trusting Him completely in all circumstances
“I was inspired to embark on this journey by the Holy Spirit,” he stated. “Today, I am happy to have accomplished this, and to the glory of God, I am even more delighted that our Bishops are here to dedicate this house unto Him.”
“What we are doing is the work of God—spreading His word and strengthening His Church. There is power in holding onto Christ, in worshipping Him, and in trusting Him completely,” he added.
He also announced the donation of two buses for both the Catholic and Anglican churches of the community and empowerment of five youths of the community. True to his word, the formal presentation of the buses were carried out at his residence, drawing members from the faith community, community members, and well-wishers.
The donation has been widely applauded as a rare and intentional act of unity, as it cuts across denominational lines and strengthens collaboration between both faith communities. Observers described the gesture as a practical demonstration of love, service, and commitment to the growth of Christianity in the area.
In addition to the buses, Ikenga Umuawulu also empowered five men with five truck-cycles to support their livelihoods. The initiative, described as a form of human investment, is aimed at creating economic opportunities and improving the standard of living for the beneficiaries.
The traditional ruler of the community Igwe Joel Egwuonwu, praised the move as impactful, noting that it goes beyond charity to provide sustainable means of income.
Speaking at the brief handover ceremony, Ikenga Umuawulu reiterated that his actions were rooted in service to God and humanity, emphasising that giving and empowerment are key ways of propagating the Gospel and uplifting society. He noted that true faith is reflected not just in worship, but in practical support for others.
In their separate votes of thanks, Fr. Benjamin Odika spoke on behalf of the Catholic church, while Rev. Canon Pat Odinanwa represented the Anglican church, both expressing deep appreciation for the generosity shown them. They commended Ikenga for his selflessness and prayed for continued blessings upon him and his family.
The event was not only a spiritual milestone but, also, a testament to his guiding philosophy of ‘Let Love Lead’, as well as his belief that better is not good enough, for the best is yet to come.
The dedication of St. Christopher Catholic Church now stands as a legacy project—one that will serve generations as a centre of worship, faith, and transformation. The atmosphere was electrifying, filled with songs of praise, prayers, and heartfelt goodwill messages, as attendees described the gesture as both inspiring and impactful.
