MGBALA AGWA TRADITIONAL RULER, OLUOHA II, JOINS FAITHFUL TO CELEBRATE HOLY MASS WITH REV. FR. SAVIOUR OBINNA AKALADOR
-Calls on Youths to Embrace Productive Lifestyle, Service to Humanity
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Mrs. Sandra Chioma Aniagor
The Traditional Ruler of Mgbala Autonomous Community in Agwa, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, His Royal Highness, Eze Blaise Ubah, Oluoha II (KSJI), on Sunday joined thousands of Catholic faithful, dignitaries, friends and well-wishers to celebrate the First Holy Mass of the newly ordained Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Saviour Obinna Akalador, at Christ the King College (CKC), Obudi, Agwa.
The solemn Eucharistic celebration, which commenced at about 10:00 a.m., attracted worshippers from different parts of Imo State and beyond, making it one of the largest religious gatherings witnessed in the community in recent times. The event later culminated in a colourful reception held at the country home of Mr. Peter Dunstan Akalador, popularly known as Baron, where guests celebrated the priestly milestone with the Akalador family.
Speaking after the Mass, Eze Blaise Ubah expressed profound gratitude to God for the successful celebration and commended everyone who travelled from far and near to identify with the newly ordained priest and his family.
The monarch described Rev. Fr. Saviour Obinna Akalador's priestly vocation as a remarkable testimony of faith, dedication and undying commitment to the service of God and humanity. According to him, the successful ordination of another Catholic priest from Agwa further demonstrates the community's enduring commitment to Christian values and moral excellence.
"I am delighted to be here today to worship God and rejoice with the Akalador family. Agwa has once again been blessed with another ordained Catholic priest in the person of Rev. Fr. Saviour Obinna Akalador. This is not only a source of pride for his immediate family but also for the entire Agwa Clan," the monarch said.
He noted that the Akalador family has remained one of the notable Catholic families in Agwa, consistently demonstrating doggedness to the growth of the Church and the promotion of Christian values.
According to the traditional ruler, the emergence of another priest from the community reflects what he described as a "godly transfer of mantle," where families continue to nurture children who dedicate their lives to the service of God and humanity.
He paid glowing tribute to the late parents of the priest for their sacrifices, dedication and commitment to raising a child who eventually answered God's call to the priesthood.
"Our appreciation also goes to the entire Akalador family for standing firmly behind him throughout his formation. Their investment, encouragement and prayers have yielded abundant fruits, and today everyone is celebrating to the glory of God," he added.
The royal father also highlighted Agwa's rich history of producing distinguished Catholic clergymen who have continued to make significant contributions to the Church in Nigeria and beyond.
He specifically acknowledged prominent sons of Agwa serving in the Catholic Church, including the Vicar General of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, Very Rev. Fr. Reginald Egbu, as well as Very Rev. Fr. Hyginus Ogbonna, among other respected priests whose lives of faith, scholarship, discipline and pastoral service have continued to inspire younger generations.
According to him, the ordination of Rev. Fr. Akalador further strengthens Agwa's enviable reputation as a community blessed with men dedicated to God's work.
Using the occasion to address young people, Eze Ubah called on Agwa youths to embrace productive lifestyles capable of transforming both their lives and society.
He observed that although Agwa is richly blessed with talented and intelligent young men and women, many have yet to channel their abilities towards meaningful and productive ventures.
"Today we have gathered here to celebrate success, discipline and dedication. The achievements of Rev. Fr. Saviour Obinna Akalador should inspire our young people to pursue excellence in whatever vocation they choose. Success is not limited to the priesthood alone. It can equally be attained through education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, technology, agriculture, public service and other legitimate professions."
The monarch further urged youths to shun social vices capable of destroying their future and the image of the community, encouraging them instead to emulate distinguished sons and daughters of Agwa who continue to excel both within Nigeria and across the globe.
"We have many brilliant and accomplished youths making Agwa proud in different fields across the world. Those whose actions bring negative attention to our community should learn from the examples of Rev. Fr. Saviour Obinna Akalador and other responsible young men and women who have chosen the path of integrity, hard work and service to humanity," he stated.
The celebration featured prayers, thanksgiving, cultural displays and goodwill messages from clergy, traditional rulers, political leaders, family members and guests, all of whom congratulated Rev. Fr. Akalador on attaining the sacred office of the priesthood.
The event was widely regarded as not only a celebration of a priestly vocation but also a renewed call for moral leadership, community development and the nurturing of future generations committed to faith, excellence and selfless service.
