Boys Brigade Nigeria Honours Ex-Rep Member As Grand Patron

By Julie Sylvia, Onitsha

A former House Member who represented Idemili North/South Local Government in the Green Chamber, Hon.Dr Christian Okeke has been honoured by the Boys Brigade of Nigeria as Grand Patron, Nkpor Battalion Council, Anambra State, based on his services to God and humanity.

The President of the Battalion, Mr Charles Chichebem while speaking at the event disclosed that, “We find him worthy to be our Grand Patron because of his love for the church, humanitarian services and philanthropy.

“As our Grand Patron when we need assistance we go to him. Even when this battalion council was commissioned we found it necessary to have a grand patron like others and today Hon. C.C.Okeke, has been installed as our Grand Patron.

“In today’s occasion you can see that the former Anambra State President of Boys Brigade of Nigeria, Hon. Ben Osaka, who is now the South East Patron General, and others too numerous to mention are here to add colour to the occasion including State Secretary Organization, SSO.

“There are three local government areas that are under this Nkpor Battalion Council and they are, Idemili North, Oyi and Dunukofia. We have seven Battalion Councils in the state which include, Nkpor, Onitsha, from where we split as our mother Battalion, Awka, Aguata, Ogbaru, Amichi, Nnewi and Mbamili,” he disclosed.

In his response for the honour done him, Hon. Christian Okeke, expressed satisfaction for finding him worthy to be so honoured pointing out that the honour will spur him to do more to God and man.

“I feel happy because of the honour conferred on me by Boys Brigade of Nigeria, Nkpor Battalion Council. It is service to church, Boys Brigade and others. I started to serve my community at the age of thirty something years and this Boys Brigade is not only for Anglicans but all churches both in Nigeria and globally.

“To God be the glory, we are moving forward, I have tried my best to serve my community, the state and Nigeria, as former member of the House of Representatives. That I was in the National Assembly is not the main reason for installing me with this honour but my role in the Church where I have so many accolades, patron this, patron that, among others,” he disclosed further.

He advised youths to be patience at this critical time and avoid the ‘get-rich quick syndrome that has led scores of youths astray pointing out that they should live Godly life, think of integrity and service to God.

Commending Okeke for the honour, the Speaker, Idemili North Council Area, Hon. Anikpe S. Arinze, said that the honour was not a surprise thing to him stating that the beneficiary is a man of integrity, honour and principle.

“His golden cap always receives new feathers yearly and God will always guide and protect him. He has lived examplary life, solid footprint worthy of emulation,. He is the leader of our time,” he affirmed.

Contributing, wife to Okeke, Mrs Ifeoma, disclosed that the occasion was one of her happiest days even as she blamed mothers over indecent dressing by their daughters and some mothers.

“I like descent dressing but we mothers have taken over from our daughters. Modest dressing is good but today some mothers show their body which is unfortunate,” she lamented.

On the youths she disclosed that most of them use church as cover up but are deep rooted into paganism, all aimed to get rich quick which resulted in one catastrophe or another at the end of the day.

In his own contribution, the Nkpor community Chief Security Officer, Hon. Christ Udeze,, who is also second cousin to Okeke, said that the honour done to Okeke was like putting square peg in a square hole and described the beneficiary as gentle man per excellence and a peace maker.

“He has achieved much in all spheres of life and a mentor who has mentored so many people and is held in highest esteem. People who bestowed him the investiture did the right thing,” he disclosed.

Earlier, his first cousin, Chief Ephraim Igwenagu, stated that the honour came as a result of what he has been doing adding that it is for him not to relent in his humanitarian services.

“He will be using his position to advise people of like minds because at a particular stage in life you think of what you give back to society. He is a noble man, man of peace. He is not bound to have everyone as friend or enemy.

“The honour is more commitment, to advise people of like minds, help people and it is more open door. I consider it that he is giving back to society because at the stage he is now, having attained great height as once a Congress member of the highest ruling organization in Nigeria,” he explained.

Pic shows Okeke Right with 1st cousin left