Agwa in Jubilation as Rev. Fr. Saviour Obinna Akalador Celebrates First Holy Mass; Baron's Car Gift Highlights Grand Reception
By Rita Onuoha
OBUDI, AGWA, OGUTA LGA — The Agwa Ancient Kingdom in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State was filled with joy and thanksgiving on Sunday as newly ordained Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Saviour Obinna Akalador, celebrated his First Holy Mass at Christ the King College (CKC) Parish, Agwa, marking the climax of a two-day celebration that attracted priests, traditional rulers, political leaders, religious faithful, family members, and well-wishers from across and beyond the community.
The celebration came barely 24 hours after Rev. Fr. Akalador, a native of Umuelendu Ihuoba Obudi, Agwa Ancient Kingdom, was ordained into the Catholic priesthood alongside 13 others by the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri and Metropolitan of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, during a solemn Pontifical Mass at the Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri.
In keeping with Catholic tradition, the newly ordained priest celebrated his First Holy Mass at his home parish, CKC Agwa, where hundreds of worshippers gathered to witness the historic occasion.
The Eucharistic celebration was marked by deep spirituality, thanksgiving, and emotional moments as Rev. Fr. Akalador presided over the Mass for the first time as a Catholic priest.
Delivering the homily, Rev. Fr. Anthony Emereonyeokwe urged Christians to make God their first priority in every aspect of life, stressing that holiness, obedience, and unwavering faith remain the foundation of genuine Christian living. He reminded the congregation that God's power can accomplish the impossible through those who trust in Him, encouraging the faithful to remain steadfast in their commitment to Christ.
He also commended the parish, the Akalador family, and the entire Agwa community for their unity and commitment throughout the ordination and thanksgiving celebrations, praying that God would continue to bless them abundantly.
One of the most touching moments of the liturgy came when Rev. Fr. Akalador became visibly emotional while remembering his late parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bernardine Akalador, whose lifelong prayers and sacrifices contributed immensely to his vocation but who did not live to witness his ordination.
As required by Catholic tradition, the newly ordained priest offered prayers for the Church, the Holy Father, his Archbishop, fellow priests, benefactors, and the faithful.
Among the priests present were Very Rev. Fr. Reginald Egbu, Vicar-General of the Owerri Archdiocese; Very Rev. Fr. Hyginus Ogbonna; Very Rev. Fr. Cosmos Edochie of St. Thomas Parish, Obinze; Very Rev. Fr. Miletus Ohanumma of Sacred Heart Home, Owerri; Rev. Fr. Jude Uche of Holy Trinity Parish, Uwaorie, Agwa; and the Parish Priest of CKC Agwa, Very Rev. Fr. Raymond Onyekwere.
In his remarks, Fr. Onyekwere congratulated the new priest, describing his ordination as a blessing not only to his immediate family but also to the entire Agwa community and the Catholic Church.
Following the Mass, attention shifted to the reception and presentation of gifts, which took place in an atmosphere of celebration and gratitude.
The event was chaired by Chief Sir Sylvester Nlemedim, a retired senior civil servant and former Protocol Officer in the Imo State Government. He thanked God for the successful ordination and thanksgiving celebration and urged members of the community to continue supporting Rev. Fr. Akalador throughout his priestly ministry.
Proposing the toast, Very Rev. Fr. Miletus Ohanumma described the newly ordained priest as intelligent, humble, disciplined, courageous, and dedicated to the service of God. He prayed that God would grant him wisdom, strength, and perseverance throughout his priestly vocation.
During the presentation of gifts, Christ the King College Parish, Agwa, donated ₦200,000 to support the new priest.
The biggest highlight of the reception came when Mr. Peter Dunstan Akalador (Baron) and his family presented Rev. Fr. Akalador with a Toyota Camry and a Mass Box, dedicating the gesture to the memory of their late mother and wife.
The presentation drew loud applause from guests and quickly became one of the defining moments of the celebration.
Other donations and goodwill gifts came from Mr. and Mrs. Charles Akalador, the family of Evarist, and several other relatives, friends, and well-wishers.
The grand reception later continued at the Uzii country home of Mr. Peter Dunstan Akalador (Baron), where guests were lavishly entertained.
Among those in attendance were HRH Eze Blaise Ubah (KSJI), Oluoha II of Mgbala Agwa Autonomous Community; Elder (Dr.) Amb. Malachi Ndubuisi Ebepu, JP; Mr. Chibuike Obodo; HRH Eze Nwamirita I Ekugba of Egbema Kingdom; Hon. Collins Ugo Jumbo; Engr. Sammy Black; Mr. Fortune Ukwu; Hon. Barnax Ejiako; Apt. David Lemchi Ebirim, Action People's Party candidate for the 2027 Oguta State Constituency election; Mr. Oscar Mbaeri, Esq.; Pharm. Emeka Egbulugha; Mr. Robinson Ohaji; Sr. Mary Queen; Pastor Stanley Nwauda; Mr. Hillary Uwa, President-General of Obudi; and Rev. Victor Akupuome, who is scheduled to be ordained a Catholic priest in October 2026.
In another emotional moment, Rev. Fr. Akalador blessed the Toyota Camry presented to him before expressing heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Peter Dunstan Akalador and his family with a surprise presentation of a giant framed family portrait.
The symbolic gesture moved many guests to tears as it honoured the enduring bond between the two families while also remembering loved ones who had passed away before witnessing the historic occasion.
The celebration also featured cultural dance performances, musical entertainment by DJ Otiga, cutting of the celebration cake, and community festivities.
Security personnel drawn from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and private security outfits maintained a peaceful and orderly atmosphere throughout the event.
The celebration marked the successful completion of Rev. Fr. Saviour Obinna Akalador's journey from seminary formation to the Catholic priesthood after years of philosophical, spiritual, pastoral, and theological training.
His ordination forms part of the Catholic Church's long-standing tradition of raising new priests to strengthen evangelisation, administer the sacraments, and provide pastoral care to God's people. His First Holy Mass at his home parish also reflects an important Catholic tradition, allowing the newly ordained priest to celebrate the Eucharist for the first time among his family, home community, and parish faithful.
The historic celebration has been widely described as a moment of pride for the people of Agwa Ancient Kingdom and the Catholic faithful across the Owerri Archdiocese.
