OPM Worldwide Men's President, Elder Malachi Ebepu, Graces Rev. Fr. Saviour Akalador's First Holy Mass in Agwa
By Grace Chidimma Ibe
OBUDI, AGWA, IMO STATE – The Worldwide President of the Omega Power Ministry (OPM) Men's Fellowship, Elder Dr. Amb. Malachi Ndubuisi Ebepu, JP, on Sunday attended the First Holy Mass celebration of Rev. Fr. Saviour Obinna Akalador at Christ the King (CKC) Parish, Obudi, Agwa, in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, accompanied by a high-powered delegation of church leaders and associates.
The celebration attracted a large congregation of Catholic faithful, family members, traditional rulers, friends, well-wishers, and dignitaries from within and outside Imo State, marking a significant milestone in the life and priestly ministry of the newly ordained Catholic priest.
The solemn Eucharistic celebration, which commenced at about 10:00 a.m., marked the grand finale of activities following the recent priestly ordination of Rev. Fr. Akalador by the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri under the leadership of His Grace, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri and Metropolitan of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province. Worshippers from various Catholic parishes across Agwa attended the historic event to witness the priest's first public celebration of the Holy Mass.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the Mass, Elder Ebepu described the occasion as a memorable moment not only for the Akalador family but also for the entire Agwa community and the universal Church.
According to him, the ordination and First Holy Mass of a Catholic priest are significant milestones that strengthen the Christian faith and inspire young people to dedicate their lives to the service of God.
"Today is a great day for the Akalador family, the Agwa Clan, and the universal Church. We have gathered here to rejoice because God has blessed us with another priest who will labour in His vineyard.
"As the Worldwide President of OPM Men, our message remains peace, unity, love, and service to humanity. We believe in one God, and every opportunity to celebrate God's goodness deserves our support."
He further noted that his relationship with the Akalador family spans many years, describing Mr. Peter Dunstan Akalador, popularly known as Baron, as a trusted friend and brother.
"This family occupies a special place in my heart. I came personally to thank God for His faithfulness to them and to pray that Rev. Fr. Saviour Obinna Akalador will remain steadfast, fruitful, and successful in his sacred calling," he said.
Members of the delegation accompanying the OPM Worldwide Men's President included the Eze Nwamirita I of Ekugba in Egbema Kingdom; Elder Nathaniel Okechukwu, Grand Patron of OPM Worldwide; Engr. Daniel Iniomon, Director of Kings Group, OPM; Mrs. Nkeiruka Iyagba, Worldwide Prayer Coordinator of OPM Women; Mr. Amadi Chika, Director of Great Eagle Group, OPM Worldwide; Pastor Paul Ihekaihe, Worldwide Pastors' Coordinator; and other senior members of the ministry.
Community members acknowledged Elder Ebepu's longstanding role in expanding the activities and outreach of Omega Power Ministry within Agwa, noting that his commitment has contributed significantly to the ministry's presence in the area through humanitarian services, evangelism, and community development initiatives.
In his remarks, Rev. Fr. Akalador expressed profound gratitude to Elder Ebepu and the entire OPM delegation for honouring the invitation despite their demanding schedules.
"I sincerely appreciate the Worldwide President of OPM Men and every member of his team for coming to celebrate with us. Your presence, prayers, and goodwill mean so much to me and my family. I pray that Almighty God will continue to bless you with good health, divine protection, and abundant grace," the priest said.
Also speaking, Mr. Peter Dunstan Akalador (Baron) thanked Elder Ebepu for his unwavering support and friendship over the years.
He described the OPM Worldwide Men's President as a dependable brother and a man committed to promoting peace, unity, and development wherever he finds himself.
According to Baron, the presence of the large OPM delegation demonstrated the genuine relationships Elder Ebepu has built with families and communities across Nigeria.
Elder Dr. Amb. Malachi Ndubuisi Ebepu, a native of Umueze Obudi in Agwa Ancient Kingdom, is a respected businessman, former banker, philanthropist, and community leader. He is also widely recognised as a major dealer in solar energy solutions through GIG Solar and has consistently supported humanitarian and community development programmes.
Rev. Fr. Saviour Obinna Akalador was among the newly ordained priests of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri during a solemn Pontifical Mass held at Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri. In keeping with Catholic tradition, a newly ordained priest celebrates his First Holy Mass in his home parish—an occasion regarded as one of the most significant moments in his priestly journey.
The First Holy Mass is traditionally celebrated with thanksgiving by family members, parishioners, and the wider community, who gather to pray for the priest's fruitful ministry. In many Catholic communities, the celebration also provides an opportunity for friends, religious organisations, and community leaders to express solidarity and encourage the new priest as he begins his pastoral mission.
The attendance of Elder Malachi Ebepu and other leaders of the Omega Power Ministry underscored the cordial relationship that exists among Christian denominations in promoting faith, unity, peace, and community development in Agwa and beyond.
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