SACRED HEART PARISH OGUTA CONFERS GUEST OF HONOUR ON GERALD IRONA AT 2026 FATHER’S DAY CELEBRATION

‎The 2026 Catholic International Father’s Day celebration at Sacred Heart Parish, Oguta, witnessed a significant turnout as former Deputy Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Engr. Gerald Alphonsus Irona, was honoured as the “Special Guest of Honour” in recognition of his service to the Church and humanity.
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‎Although not formally publicized, the event drew the presence of friends, mentees, political associates, and leaders from across the Ohaji-Egbema/Oguta/Oru-West Federal Constituency, reflecting the stature of the honouree within both ecclesiastical and political circles.
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‎In his remarks, Irona expressed gratitude to the Parish Priest, parishioners, and the organising committee for the recognition. He paid tribute to his political mentor, Late Chief Sen. Francis Arthur Nzeribe, requesting a minute’s silence in his honour.
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‎“I want to thank the leadership of the Church for giving me this respect and honor to be the Special Guest of Honor for this year's Father's Day Celebration.
‎I came from a place, and I always strive to communicate it to everyone around me in any stage or forum that I am a proud son of late Chief Sen. Francis Arthur Nzeribe who always supports Sacred Hearts in tremendous ways which if he were to be alive today, would have done the same. I humbly request with your kind permission, that we rise and honor his demise and other respected sons and daughters of Oguta,” he said. 
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‎Irona further underscored the importance of faith, responsible fatherhood, and peaceful coexistence, urging fathers to remain committed to godly living and societal development. 
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‎“Today is not a speech-making day. CMO worldwide is celebrating its day and as a guest of honor, my friends and I are here to promote the work of God. I urge every fathers here to strive to live peacefully with all men and promote the things of God. In my capacity, I will assist the church of God. On behalf of myself, my family, and my friends, I will assist the Church with the sum of five million naira.”
‎The Parish leadership commended Irona for his continued support and commitment to the Church.
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‎“On behalf of the church and committee of the 2026 Father's Day Celebration, we want to sincerely thank His Excellency for coming and supporting the Church in this great way. He is our proud son and leader who has always identified with Sacred Hearts Parish. We pray that God cause your effort to succeed and grant you peace, health to you and your friends here to solidarize with you,” the Church stated.
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‎Among political leaders present were Barr. (Mrs.) Joy Chioma Anyanwu, Southeast ADC Zonal Woman Leader; Hon. Chief Damian Ezeru, Orlu Zonal Chairman; Hon. Kenneth Akunnakwe, Oru-West Apex Leader; Hon. Pharm. Marshal Nokaa, Ohaji-Egbema LGA Chairman; Hon. Ichie Cajetan Onyewuchi, Oru-West LGA Chairman; Hon. Obaji Nonyerem, Oguta LGA Deputy Secretary; and Mr. Rex Okoronkwo, Publicity Secretary, Oguta LGA.
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‎Also in attendance were federal constituency aspirants including Hon. (Barr.) Chudi Egwe Evans (Ohaji-Egbema), Esv. Peters Uche (Ohaji-Egbema), Hon. MC Richard Onunaku (Oru-West LGA), and Princess Dr. Chioma Okoroma (Umuokanne, Ohaji-Egbema), who was represented by an aide. 
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‎Leading the House of Assembly aspirants present was Hon. Goddey Nwabekee of Agwa, Oguta, alongside media aides and supporters.
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‎The event highlighted not only the significance of Father’s Day within the Catholic Men Organisation (CMO) but also reinforced the intersection of faith, leadership, and community development in the Federal Constituency.