BISHOP NWOKOLO COMMENDS ON NIGER LADY KNIGHTS FOR ERECTING N39M GATEHOUSE AT DIOCESAN UNIVERSITY, UMUNYA

(By Alex Uzoigwe)

The Lady knights of St Christopher, Diocese on the Niger, discreetly put their names in the hall of fame Saturday, September 16, 2023, when they handed over a ₦ 38.9m university gatehouse to the Diocese on the Niger, Anglican Communion.

The structure, the second gatehouse at the University on the Niger, Umunya, was solemnly dedicated by the Diocesan, the Rt Rev Dr Owen Nwokolo, amid thunderous jubilations and long chains of accolades.
In his remarks while dedicating the structure, Bishop Nwokolo lauded the lady knights for what he described as “a very encouraging effort”, adding that the gesture was a good sign of how committed the lady knights were to God’s work.

He explained that the university project, as God’s work, was a commitment with which every parishioner should be identified, stating that the institution was for everyone and that the diocese was a mere promoter.

The bishop paid glowing tribute to the leadership of the lady knights entreating them not to relent in their zeal for the work of God and humanity.
He thanked God for the work, saying that the magnificent look of the gatehouse was a clear indication that the structure was achieved through quality planning, fervent prayers, hard work and the support of God.
Citing 1Sam. 7:12, he said that the actualisation of the project was enough testimony for the lady knights to say “Thus far God has helped us”.
He reemphasized how grateful he said he was for what he called the hard work, commitment and diligence of the lady knights.

The bishop also expressed satisfaction and thanks to the leadership of the Order of the Knighthood of St Christopher of the diocese under Sir lkechukwu Ejelue who was represented at the event by his 1st Deputy President, Sir Simon Omekaodinma.

He commended the order for the unity and cooperation among the members which he said was yielding great result.
The President of the Lady Knights, Dr Lady Ngọzi Agbasimalo, had in the two-page welcome address she presented to the bishop, thanked him for allocating the construction of the gatehouse to the lady knights, saying that initially they thought it would be an impossible task.
She however appreciated God for allowing them the spiritual, moral and financial stamina which she said enabled them to complete the work successfully.
Evaluating the cost of the project, the president explained that at inception in 2021, the work which was estimated at the cost ₦31.7m was finally executed in 2023 at ₦38.9m.
She said, “Despite the challenges encountered … the fire outbreak and theft at the project site, inflation caused by cashless policy and fuel subsidy removal as well as amendments for improvements, the total cost of building the magnificent edifice was ₦38.9m as against ₦31.7m projected in 2021”.

Expressing joy for the successful completion of the work, Dr Lady Agbasimalo said, "In all, we thank God that we were able to complete the project. We feel privileged and honoured to partner with our lord bishop in God's work in the diocese.

“As this magnificent security gatehouse of the university on the Niger, Umunya, is being dedicated today, it is our hope that it will provide a healthy and safe environment for the students, staff and visitors to the university and we pray that the university will be famous and glorious throughout the world”, she prayed.

She later handed the keys of the gatehouse over to the bishop and thanked numerous individuals who she said contributed variously towards the realization of the project.
“I wish to thank all that identified with the Lady Knights of St Christopher, Diocese on the Niger, especially the Bishop’s wife and President, Diocesan Women’s Ministry, Dr Mrs Elsie Nonyelum Nwokolo (Mama Niger), the Lady Knights, members of Knights Exco, Diocesan Project Committee and University Permanent Site Project Committee among others that graced the occasion.
“May God bless you all. We very much appreciate your presence. Thank you”, she added.
Earlier the lady knights had also built the first gatehouse of the university which was dedicated on February 6, 2021, by the Bishop on the Niger.