BISHOP UGWUZOR DEDICATES ST. PAUL’S CHURCH, ITUNGWA IN GRAND STYLE

BISHOP UGWUZOR DEDICATES ST. PAUL’S CHURCH, ITUNGWA IN GRAND STYLE  *HONOURS DISTINGUISHED PERSONALITIES 

Monday, April 6, 2026, will remain indelible in the hearts of the people of Itungwa in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, as Anglican faithful and a galaxy of eminent personalities gathered to witness the historic dedication of St. Paul’s Church, Itungwa.

The epoch-making ceremony attracted captains of industry, top government officials, traditional rulers and other notable personalities from across Nigeria and the Diaspora.

The ambience of the church was electrifying, with a vibrant display of joy and splendour that stretched from the main entrance gate to the expansive church auditorium.

The dedication marked the culmination of a decades-long journey, as the foundation of the church, laid in 1983, was finally brought to completion through the collective efforts of illustrious sons and daughters of Itungwa.

Performing the dedication, the Anglican Bishop of Aba Diocese, Rt. Rev. Christian Chiodoadighi Ugwuzor (JP, FABS), preached on the theme, “The Stone the Builders Rejected.”

He expressed profound gratitude to God for the successful completion of the edifice, describing it as a testament to unwavering faith, perseverance, and divine grace.

He commended all contributors and formally consecrated the church in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that the sacred structure had been set apart from all profane and ungodly uses.

He further charged the Anglican faithful to sustain their zeal for God and live exemplary Christian lives.

In his remarks, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR), represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD, thanked God for using distinguished sons of Itungwa to complete the long-awaited project.

He noted that divine blessings often follow those who give back to God and humanity, expressing optimism that God would reward all contributors abundantly.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of awards to distinguished individuals, including posthumous honours, in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the church and the community.

Among the awardees were Engr. Obi Imemba, Sir Engr. Smart Ebere Nwangwa, Engr. Stanley Chinemerem Egege, Barr. Jonathan Emelogu, Mrs. Amarachi Isaac Nwachukwu (née Edwin Nwadibia), Uchechi Israel Ibejionu (Lay Reader), Ven. Ebenezer E. Nwosu, Prince Ebere Ogburu, as well as late icons such as Ezeji J. M. Nwangburuka, Patrick Imemba, HRH Eze Apollos Alozie Orji, Lay Reader Mercy Oyiuwa Silas Ogburu, and Chief Godwin Akataobi, among others.

Chairman of the occasion and Leader of Ukwa la Ngwa, Chief Barr. Theo Nkire, commended the church leadership for recognizing individuals who had made significant impacts, noting that such gestures would inspire future generations to contribute meaningfully to community development.

The Vicar of St. Paul’s Church, Itungwa, Rev’d. Canon Uwaoma Nwagba, expressed immense joy and gratitude to God for the realization of a long-cherished dream.

He described the dedication as a defining moment in his ministry, noting that although many clergy had served in the parish over the years, it pleased God to complete the project during his tenure.

He appreciated the massive turnout and acknowledged the contributions of the Bishop, his wife, Mrs. Ihuoma Cynthia Ugwuzor, the state government, the planning committee led by Ven. Dr. Ebenezer Nwosu, as well as his wife, Mrs. Stella Nwagba, for their unwavering support.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Ven. Ebenezer Nwosu, PhD, expressed deep satisfaction with the success of the event, describing the project as a source of pride for the community.

He noted that the dedication represented the climax of Anglican worship in the community and revealed that substantial funds had been raised towards the procurement of a Hummer bus for the church, expressing hope for further support from well-wishers.

One of the major financiers of the project and Chairman of the Governing Council, Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, Engr. Stanley Chinemerem Egege, described the occasion as a dream fulfilled.

He reaffirmed the commitment of stakeholders to continue investing in the growth and development of Itungwa community.

In a similar vein, one of the awardees, Lay Reader Uchechi Israel Ibejionu, expressed gratitude to God for witnessing the dedication after decades of service.

He reflected on his long-standing involvement in the church, noting that the project, which began in 1983, was completed at God’s appointed time through the generosity of successful sons of the community.

The event also witnessed the presence of prominent personalities, including HRM Eze Nwabiaraije Enogwe (JP), Ekwueme I of Abayi Ancient Kingdom and Chairman of Ukwa la Ngwa Council of Traditional Rulers; HRM Eze Dr. F. O. Nwosu, the Second Deputy Chairman of Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Eze Matthais Ngozi Nwoke, Rt. Hon. Eziuche Ubani; the Mayor of Obingwa, Hon. Maxwell Nwadike; Barr. Chukwuemeka Nwaogu; Hon. Barr. Obinna Nwabiaraije, Hon. Chief Seth Nkwachi Agomuo; Dr. Eric Egwuibe, Chief Akpulonu Abraham Obinna, the Eze-elect of Uratta Ancient Kingdom among others.

After the church dedication, the Bishop, clergy, and congregation proceeded to commission a magnificent hall built for the women of the community by Engr. Obi Imemba, an illustrious son of Itungwa and Executive Director of TotalEnergies E&P Nigeria Limited.

Speaking on the motivation behind the project, Engr. Imemba explained that his desire to give back to his community stemmed from a deep sense of gratitude to God.

He recalled how the women had struggled for decades to realize the dream of a befitting hall and noted that fulfilling that vision was a personal commitment he had nurtured since childhood.

He emphasized that God’s blessings are meant to be shared for the upliftment of others.

Commenting on governance in Abia State, he expressed satisfaction with the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, noting visible improvements in infrastructure, institutional reforms, and governance processes.

He expressed confidence that the state was on a progressive path.

In his remarks, HRM Eze Dr. F. O. Nwosu, Asaa I of Abayi Mba Asaa Autonomous Community and Second Deputy Chairman of Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, lauded Engr. Imemba’s generosity, describing it as a shining example of the rewards of investing in God’s vineyard.

He noted that such acts of selflessness serve as inspiration for others to emulate.

Similarly, Chief Akpulonu Abraham Obinna, Eze-elect of Uratta Ancient Kingdom, commended Engr. Imemba for demonstrating true love for God and humanity through his contributions, observing that many wealthy individuals fail to give back to society.

The celebration climaxed with a grand reception at the palatial country home of Engr. Obi Imemba, where guests were lavishly entertained with an array of exquisite cuisines and assorted drinks.

The dedication of St. Paul’s Church, Itungwa stands as a monumental testament to faith, unity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of community development.