ADCWO Celebrates 2024 CWO DAY With Pomp
…Honours Well-Deserving Members, Others
The Aba Diocesan Catholic Women Organization (ADCWO) gathered in their numbers from far and near at Christ the King Cathedral (CKC), Aba to celebrate their CWO Day on Saturday, May 11, 2024. The mothers usually look forward to the special day with excitement.
As usual, the occasion commenced with Holy Mass officiated by His Lordship, Most Rev. Prof. Augustine Ndubueze Echema, the Catholic Bishop of Aba.
In his homily, Bishop Echema congratulated the Aba Diocesan Catholic Women Organization (ADCWO) on the occasion of their 2024 CWO Day .
He described the occasion as a great day in the Diocese and a day of joy the mothers celebrate and recognize some people who have supported them and the church.
He said that the significance of the day is to encourage people stressing that when you give people award, you are telling them that they are doing well and also encouraging them to do more.
He described the mothers as strong pillars of the church and commended them for taking care of the laity, Bishop, priests and others. He prayed God to bless them and replenish their supplies. He encouraged them to continue to serve God and humanity without looking back.
In her address, the President General of ADCWO, Chief Lady Nneoma Florita Ngozi Anwuacha welcomed all and sundry to the 4th edition of the CWO Day celebration and Award of Honour.
She thanked God for making the milestone celebration possible despite the prevailing economic hardship across the nation.
She lauded the Catholic Bishop of Aba, Most Rev. Augustine Ndubueze Echema for his continued support as well as for providing a conducive environment for them to thrive.
They clapped for him in a special way in appreciation of his love, kindness and support.
She said that the special day was held to thank God for all He has done for them, to enjoy themselves and appreciate some well-deserving individuals who have shown dedication and made remarkable contributions to their various parishes as well as the society.
She congratulated all the awardees, members of ADCWO and everyone in the Diocese for making them proud.
She emphasized that appreciating people is good while ingratitude is bad and stronger than the traitors arm adding that they gave some people award for their dedication in their various parishes and immense contributions to the Catholic Church and the society not because of money but to thank and encourage them to continue with their good works for the benefit of the church and humanity stressing in Igbo parlance that “Ememaa onye akidi ya agwota ozo” meaning that if you appreciate people for what they have done, they would do more.
The Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Aba, Rev. Fr. Godswill Enyinnaya Ejeh and Rev. Mother Joseph Uzoigwe were honoured for their unquantifiable roles in the church.
Others include the ‘Ambassador’ awardees who have touched the lives of people in many ways.
Also honoured were erstwhile presidents of various parishes in the Diocese who served creditably well during their tenure as well as the chairman of the occasion, Hon. Sir Ben Achoromadu, President, Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria, Aba Diocese who received meritorious recognition award for distinguishing himself both in his parish and in the Aba Diocese, especially in helping the CWO meet its financial and social obligations.
The opportunity was also used to present national award to the seven ADCWO national awardees who could not attend the occasion held at Abuja on Saturday, April 20, 2024 due to logistics in compliance to the
directive of the national president to the Diocesan Presidents to receive the awards on their behalf and present them to the awardees in all the Dioceses in recognition of their contributions to the national CWO.
Chief Lady Nneoma Florita Ngozi Anwuacha also enumerated some of their numerous achievements since her assumption of office such as provision of food (food apostolate) to the bishop, priests, seminarians, prisoners, building of halls, purchase of buses among others.
According to her, the ADCWO has achieved a lot under her watch and hopes to do more in the days ahead.
She recalled that during the CWO Day last year, she solicited funds to renovate Nneoma House, which she humbly and happily announced has been completed to the glory of God.
She disclosed that they have gotten the distributorship of Aura Gold Table Water of the Knights of St. Mulumba Nigeria.
Apart from the afore-mentioned achievements, the ADCWO has continued to promote peace and unity among women in the society as well as socio-cultural and religious activities for the good and development of the church and the nation.
These laudable achievements notwithstanding, Chief Lady Nneoma Florita Ngozi Anwuacha solicited financial support to restructure the dilapidated hall at the back of Nneoma Hall and expressed optimism that the awardees and other public-spirited individuals would help them to actualize the lofty project.
At the end of her address, she appreciated in a special way, His Lordship, Most Rev. Prof. Augustine Ndubueze Echema, the Catholic Bishop of Aba who she said has always provided an enabling environment for ADCWO to thrive including the Diocesan Chaplain, ADCWO (Ezi Ukochukwu Ndi Nna 1), Very Rev. Fr. Magnus Nwagboso, the Sister Adviser, Rev. Sister Harriet Mario Okafor (Adaoma, ADCWO), priests and the religious, both her core and enlarged executive of ADCWO, the choir, the chairman of the occasion, Sir Hon. Ben Achoromadu and all the awardees for their love and support.
Finally, she doffed her cap for the vice president/chairperson,
planning committee, Hon. Nneoma Adaoma Rose Chukwu and her team for ensuring the huge success of the occasion.
Thereafter, the Bishop blessed the awards before presenting them to the awardees. The awardees filed out to receive the awards after which they appreciated the ADCWO for the honour done them.
The first session climaxed with benediction by the Bishop, Most Rev. Prof. Augustine Ndubueze Echema. He urged them to sustain their faith in the Lord and reminded the awardees that the award given to them is a way of presenting them before God to accept them as they have recognized them for their good deeds and encouraged them not to relent in their good works in the church and the society.
He prayed God to bless all and sundry and lead them safely back to their various destination. The Bishop took a group photograph with the women before retiring to his court.
Thereafter, attention shifted to the field outside the cathedral where the second session held under the distinguished chairmanship of Hon. Sir Ben Achoromadu, President, Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria, Aba Diocese.
Even though, there was heavy rainfall immediately after the end of the first session, they described it as showers of blessing and did not allow it to disrupt the programme.
In his opening remarks, the chairman of the occasion and former TC Chairman of Isiala Ngwa South local government area of Abia State, Hon Sir Ben Achoromadu congratulated the ADCWO on their special day.
He described them as hardworking and strong pillars of the church and the nation. He wished them a wonderful celebration and prayed God to bless them and replenish their supplies.
He urged the awardees and all those present to support them to restructure the dilapidated hall behind Nneoma Hall.
The second session featured so many interesting highlights such as march past, queen contest, cutting of cake, entertainment among others.
At the end of the competitions, the results were announced by Very Rev. Fr. Magnus Nwagboso, the Diocesan Chaplain, ADCWO.
In the queen contest, CKC Vicariate came first followed by St. Eugene’s Vicariate (second), Our Lady of Fatima (third), St. Ambrose (fourth), St. Paul’s (fifth) and St. Mary’s Vicariate (sixth).
St. Mary’s Vicariate came first in the march past followed by Holy Trinity, Obuzor (second), Our Lady of Fatima (third). Regina Caeli (fourth). St. Paul’s Oyigbo (fifth), St. Eugene’s (sixth), SS Peter and Paul, Mbutu Ngwa (seventh), St. Ambrose, Ogbor Hill, Aba (eight), St. Anthony’s Vicariate, Nbawsi (ninth) while CKC, Aba came last.
In her vote of thanks, the chairperson, planning committee, Hon. Nneoma Adaoma Rose Chukwu expressed profound gratitude to God for granting them a successful 2024 CWO Day .
She appreciated the Bishop, Most Rev. Prof. Augustine Ndubueze Echema, the President General, Chief Lady Nneoma Florita Ngozi Anwuacha, the executive and entire members of ADCWO, Very Rev. Fr. Magnus Nwagboso, Rev. Sister Harriet Mario Okafor, and others for their love and immense support.
The occasion was a huge success. It came to an end with a closing prayer by Very Rev. Fr. Magnus Nwagboso.
He described the day as wonderful and fulfilling. He appreciated the executive and entire members of ADCWO for their successful outing.
He prayed God to bless them and grant all safe journey back home. At the end, some of the awardees bared their minds on the occasion in a chat with newsmen. Excepts.
Hon. Nneoma Adanma Rose Chukwu (Vice President/Chairperson, Planning Committee)
I am happy for the award presented to me. I am the past president of CWO, SS Anthony and Jude. Today, the ADCWO recognized all the past presidents of Aba Diocese and I happen to be one of those that received award. During my tenure we built CWO Hall, purchased a coaster bus, canopies among others. I encourage people to work for God because without God we cannot be alive. So if you are called to serve God, serve Him with all your heart and God will bless you.
Eziada Kelechi Anwuacha Chukwudi
(Parish Secretary Council, SS Anthony and Jude, Umungasi, Aba)
I am the second daughter of ADCWO President General, Chief Lady Nneoma Florita Ngozi Anwuacha. Today is our 2024 CWO Day. We celebrate it annually and it is indeed a special day for us. Honestly, I feel so delighted to be honoured as an Ambassador of Mary. I thank our Bishop, Most Rev. Prof. Augustine Ndubueze Echema, my mother and others for making it possible for me to receive award today. Just as I said in the church, the award would motivate me to do more for God and humanity. Actually, I have done so many things in our parish. For instance I have procured some vehicles for our parish. In 2022 I was the chairperson during the Mothers’ Day celebration in SS Anthony and Jude as well as in 2023. We raised a lot of money on both occasions, which enabled us in setting up a water factory.
Lady Uzoamaka M. Ezelue
(St. James Parish, Umule, Aba)
They say give honour to whom honour is due. I think I deserve the Ambassador of Mary Award given to me. I was the CWO, President of St. James from 2002 to 2010. We achieved a lot during my tenure. Before I became the CWO President, we used to stay in canopies. But after sometime we were able to erect the church building at St. James Catholic Parish, Umule, Aba. We acquired many lands too. Without being immodest, I do not think there is a way you can talk about St. James Parish Umule, Aba today without mentioning my name. I have gotten so many awards but this one will motivate me to continue doing more in the Lord’s vineyard and the society. I call on my fellow women, men and youths in our church to be active and sow in the vineyard of God no matter how little because there is numerous blessings thereof. I am the patroness of the youth in our parish. I will not relent in telling them to serve God in their youth when they are still very strong. I have been motivating them both spiritually and physically.
Lady MaryAnn Chinwe Onyeukwu
(CWO President, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, East Street, Aba)
I feel so happy to receive the National Ambassador of Mary Award. It is the Lord’s doing. The award will ginger me to show more commitment to the service of God and humanity. Like our Bishop said in his homily the award is to encourage us to do more. Personally, I feel that it is another task or level in life to win more souls for Christ and to live a life worthy of emulation. The award is an elevation. I do not believe that there is anything done in secret in life. Whatever you are doing people are watching you and every work has a reward. Some people used to tell me that I joined CWO so early. I joined and started growing, up to this extent. So, my advice to them is that they do not have to wait till they get old before serving God.
Ezinne Augusta Ogechukwu Okoye
(President CWO, St. Eugene’s Parish, Eziukwu, Aba)
Imagine as little as I am I was given the Ambassador of Mary Award. In fact, it is a rare privilege to be made an Ambassador of Mary. I give God all the glory. The award would help me to do more for God and humanity because I know if it is something that money can buy, I will not afford it but by the grace of God I was selected because of my dedication to God . I thank my husband, Mr. Joseph C. Okoye for his support. May God bless him.
Ezinne Grace John
(St. Bartholomew Parish, Aro Ngwa)
I was the vice president of CWO, St. Bartholomew Parish, Aro Ngwa from 2002 to 2003. I am so happy for the honour done me. I thank our CWO President, Ezinne Joy Nwosu and others for their support. The Meritorious Leadership Award Par Excellence will bear good fruit in my life. Contributing her husband, Ezinna Aloysius John expressed delight on the award presented to his wife. He said that they do not play with God in their family. He disclosed that he is a humble servant of Catholic Biblical Instructors Union (CBIU) at St. Bartholomew Parish.
Lady Ugoeze Nneoma Akalabu
Today is a special day in my life. It is true that I have received so many awards in the past but this one is so special to me because it is in recognition of my good work in the church and society. I served our parish, St. John’s, Itungwa for 28 years. Looking after women is not a child’s play. I will continue to cherish the Meritorious Leadership Par Excellence Award all the days of my life.
His Worship Mrs. Prisca Okorie
My parish is SS Anthony and Jude Umungasi, Aba. I was given the Ambassador of Mary award today. I feel so excited because I am recognized by the ADCWO. Whatever that has to do with the Catholic Church I carry it on my head. I was born a Catholic. I baptized in Catholic, wedded in Catholic, remained in Catholic and I will die a Catholic. I am an arch-Catholic. I love Catholic. I have been appreciated because of some of the things I have done. Many were called but few were chosen. So I am glad to be one of those that were chosen and what the award is telling me is that to whom much is given much is expected. So now that I have been given this award, it is like they are saying to me, thank you, my dear for what you have done for us. We want you to do more and I appreciate it. I thank the ADCWO for recognizing me.
Bro. Chimezie Odoemenam
(Vice Chairman, Parish Council, CKC, Aba Diocese)
I am so excited. The women have been so wonderful and supportive to us and the church. I am not surprised about what is happening here today because they have been into it. Whenever the women decide to do a thing of this nature you would see so many interesting things. So I am very happy with what is happening here today.
Mrs. Chinwe Mbanugo (Beauty Queen)
I am from Blessed Michael Tansi Chapel, World Bank Housing Estate, MCC Road, Abayi, Aba. I am the beauty queen representing St. Eugene’s Vicariate. I feel very happy and we thank God. Initially the rain wanted to disrupt the programme but I thank God that it later stopped. I advise everyone to serve God with all their heart.
I am Ezinne Tina Arinze (Iyom Jesus). I received the Meritorious Leadership Award Par Excellence on behalf of Ambassador Nneoma Lady Grace Amobi in recognition of her devotion and immense contributions to the Catholics Church and humanity. It is really a thing of joy to be appreciated when one is alive. The award would spur her to render more service to God and humanity.
I am Nneoma Regina Igwe from St. Peter’s Parish. I am very happy for the Meritorious Leadership Award Par Excellence given to me today by the Aba Diocesan Catholic Women’s Organization. It is another feather in my cap and it would ginger me to do more in the vineyard of God and the society at large.
