Owerri Archdiocese Ordains Rev. Fr. Akalador Saviour Obinna, 13 Others as Archbishop Ugorji Calls for Faithful Priesthood
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Grace Chidimma Ibe
Owerri, Imo State – The Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri has recorded another milestone in its evangelization mission with the ordination of Rev. Fr. Akalador Saviour Obinna and 13 other Reverends to the sacred priesthood during a solemn Pontifical Mass held at Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri.
The ordination ceremony was presided over by the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese and Metropolitan of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, who charged the newly ordained priests to embrace the priesthood as a sacred vocation of selfless service, holiness and unwavering fidelity to Christ.
Concelebrating the Eucharistic celebration were the Vicar General of the Archdiocese, Very Rev. Fr. Reginald Egbu; Very Rev. Fr. Hyginus Ogbonna; Rev. Fr. Brig.-Gen. (Rtd.) Charles Iroegbu, alongside hundreds of priests, religious and faithful from across the Archdiocese.
Delivering the homily, Archbishop Ugorji reminded the new priests that the Catholic priesthood is not a profession for personal ambition, social recognition or material gain, but a lifelong commitment to serving God and humanity.
He urged them to remain steadfast in prayer, cultivate intimacy with Christ and faithfully uphold the values of the Gospel despite the moral and economic challenges confronting society.
The Archbishop expressed concern over the increasing temptation facing some ministers to compromise their sacred calling because of prevailing economic hardship, stressing that priestly ministry demands integrity, humility and complete dedication to the salvation of souls.
"We recognize that times are difficult, and economic hardship has pushed many people into compromising situations. However, being ordained today is not a licence to make mockery of God or the sacred priesthood. Rather, it is a call to serve God and humanity with sincerity and holiness. Remain faithful because God will always come through for His faithful servants," Archbishop Ugorji said.
He also commended the parents and families of the newly ordained priests for nurturing their sons in the Christian faith and supporting their vocations throughout their years of formation.
According to the Archbishop, raising children in the fear of God and encouraging them to respond positively to God's call remains one of the greatest contributions parents can make to both the Church and society.
Among those ordained was Rev. Fr. Akalador Saviour Obinna, a native of Umuelendu Ihuoba, Obudi, Agwa in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.
Following the ordination, Rev. Fr. Akalador celebrated the joyous occasion with family members, friends, parishioners and well-wishers who accompanied him in a jubilant procession around the Assumpta Cathedral before proceeding to his ancestral home.
One of the significant moments of the celebration was the consecration of the graves of his late parents. The solemn rite was carried out amid a heavy rainfall, an occurrence many family members and sympathizers described as a symbolic sign of God's abundant blessings upon the newly ordained priest and his family.
Speaking during the thanksgiving gathering, Rev. Fr. Akalador expressed profound gratitude to God for sustaining him throughout the approximately sixteen years of priestly formation that culminated in his ordination.
He appreciated his immediate family, relatives, benefactors, friends and all those who supported him spiritually, morally and financially throughout his journey to the priesthood. He prayed for God's continued blessings, protection and abundant grace upon everyone who contributed to his vocation.
In his vote of thanks at the family reception held at Uzii, Mr. Peter Dunstan Akalador (Baron) requested a minute's silence in honour of their late parents, whom he described as the foundation of the family's faith journey but who did not live to witness their son's ordination.
He thanked members of the Christ the King College (CKC) family, parishioners, friends who travelled from Lagos and other parts of the country, as well as numerous well-wishers for their love, prayers and overwhelming support.
Ordination to the Catholic priesthood marks the final stage of formation after many years of philosophical, theological, spiritual and pastoral training in the seminary. Through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, priests are commissioned to preach the Gospel, celebrate the Holy Eucharist and other sacraments, provide pastoral care and lead the faithful in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
The 2026 priestly ordination by the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, during which 14 priests were ordained, underscores the continued growth of priestly vocations within one of Nigeria's most vibrant Catholic dioceses. The Archdiocese has consistently produced priests who serve both within Nigeria and in missionary territories across the world, contributing significantly to evangelization, education, healthcare and humanitarian services.
Several dignitaries attended the celebration, including former Imo State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Hon. Militus Onukaogu Nlemadim, SAN; former Protocol Officer to the Imo State Government, Sir Sylvester Nlemadim; Dr. Obinna Iyala (Stone); Hon. Ugo Collins Jumbo; Engr. Sammy Black; Hon. Christian Okoro Ogbonna, Councillor representing Obudi/Aro Ward; Hon. Marvelous Egbulem; Mr. Theddeaus Chibuzor Odunze (Nwa Father); Mr. Pascal Uzomezie (Major), among others.
