From David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
Governor Chales Soludo of Anambra State has tasked men and women of God on commitment to their pastoral calling, as the Vice Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Aguata Council Area, Hon Ikechukwu Emenike and wife celebrated 25 years marriage anniversary.
The Governor also urged the church to always appreciate and recognize anybody who had in one way or the other contributed meaningfully towards building society and development of the Churche irrespective of tribe or place of origin.
Soludo said this on Sunday at St. There’s Catholic Church, Umueze , Isuofia during the Silver Jubilee anniversary of the Church.
The Governor who was special guest of honor on the occasion pledged to continue to make contributions to the Church despite, according to him, glaring omission of his name from the list of contributors to the St Theresa’s Church as published in the Church brochure for the event.
Soludo congratulated the Church on turning 25 years and saluted the first wedded couple of the Church, Hon Emenike and wife for attaining 25 years in their marriage, saying that It was not easy to clock 25 years in marital status.
“When we started this Church, there was no bazzar hall. I travelled to South Africa to see the owner of the land on which the hall was built. I met with the parish priest and at last we have this church building. It is good that everybody who conttibuted is recognized.
“So you have attained 25 years in marriage, Emenike. Congratulations. It is not easy. I wish you all well. For the rest of the celebration, you may come to my house, “Governor Soludo said.
The Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, His Lordship Peter Cardinal Okpalaeke, who officiated at the Church service apologized to Governor Soludo, saying that the list as contained in the brochure was incorrect and asked for forgiveness.
As the Governor ended his remarks, the Church auditorium metamorphosed into a party ground apparently to celebrate the 25 wedding anniversary of Hon Emenike and his wife by the PDP members.
Other party members including those of the All Progressives Congress (APC); All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); the Labour Party (LP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) rushed to the Church altar to receive priestly blessings.
The parties also sought recognition at the reception ground where Governor Soludo and Emenike as the fist wedded couple of the Church, among other notable personalities who made various contributions to the development of the Church, Umueze community and Isuofia in general were honored with awards for their service in the presence of the traditional ruler, Igwe CAO Muoghalu.