Father’s Sunday: Eight conferred with ‘Ide’ title at Church of Holy Spirit

Lawrence Nwimo, Awka

Eight deserving fathers were Sunday honoured with ‘Ide’ titles at the Church of Holy Spirit in recognition for the dedication and love they have shown towards their families, Community and the church.

The titles were conferred on them during a special Father’s Sunday service, where the congregation came together to honor and celebrate fathers.

The recipients of the titles were: Prof Emma Ezenwaji, Prof Tony Nwokoye, Dr Bertrand Ndife, Prof U. C. Nzewi, Sir Emma Okafor, Dr Maduka Chukwujekwu, Sir Goddy Ochuba, and Dr Romanus Aghadinuno.

The titles were presented with pride and admiration, as the Church of the Holy Spirit expressed their gratitude for these fathers and all that they do.

The recipients were visibly touched by the honor and expressed their gratitude for being recognized in such a special way on Father’s Day.

www.odogwublog.com reports that father’s day was set aside to remind fathers of their roles in the family, church and society. It also gave family members and friends the opportunity to shower love, gifts and special dishes to their fathers to mark the day.

During the Service, the Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Grace, Most Revd Alexander Ibezim urged fathers to lean on God to be the strength and glory of their families.

The prelate who spoke on the theme, “Christian Fathers Are Living Testimony of God’s Glory,” noted that God made man in His image, just a little lower than angels and in charge of creation, and urged Christian fathers, to seek Jesus Christ in truth and spirit, so that his glory will be revealed upon them to live out their full potentials in God.

He advised men to surrender totally to the Lordship of Christ to manifest his glory, which entails fearing God and seeking to keep His commandments.

Archbishop Ibezim whose message was read at the Church of the Holy Spirit, Awka by the Archdeacon, Ven Onyeka Egwuonwu further advised men to love their family for the sake of Christ’s kingdom, thereby making their salvation sure in Jesus Christ.

Earlier in his Sermon, Ven Egwuonwu explained the crucial role that fathers play in the family unit, calling them to ensure sufficient guidance, support, and love to their children and spouses to reap the blessings of God.

He also highlighted the importance of fathers as role models, showing their children what it means to be responsible, caring, and respectful individuals.

Lending his voice to the sermon during an interview, Engineer Igboekwe Chukwunonso, Chairman of the 2024 Father’s Day Planning Committee, urged his fellow fathers not to misuse the authority given to them to mistreat their wives and children.

He also called on them not to relent in using their positions to propagate peace and show love to others for the good of the society.

On his own, former Chairman of Father’s Day Planning Committee and Chairman of NUJ Anambra State, Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, said the celebration was significant and has reminded fathers of their core duty to guide, protect, and ensure that life of children and wives are protected for an egalitarian society.

Other highpoints of the day was the rededication of the fathers and the inauguration of the church’s Council of Laity with Dr Raymond Ofor, the new Chairman; and Mrs Esther Odogwu, Secretary.