The entire congregants of the Diocese of Egbu, Anglican Communion, Oweeri North, Imo State, on Tuesday, 2nd May 2023, celebrated their pioneer Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Professor Emmanuel Uchechukwu Iheagwam who clocked 80 years. This celebration came 10 years after the retirement of Iheagwam as the Bishop on clocking 70 years of age.
Iheagwam, an academic-turned Bishop, a Professor of Zoology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, accompanied by his devoted wife, Mrs Ada Iheagwam, a Geographer, was full of joy that he was celebrated alive and not in death. He gave all thanks and praises to God Almighty who made it possible.
In his sermon, the Bishop of the Diocese of Egbu, Iheagwam’s solid successor in office, since 2013, the Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Enyinnaya Okorafor, described the octogenarian as an epitome of humility whose good legacy will always be remembered in the annals of Egbu Diocese, popular as Holy Ghost Diocese.
According to Bishop Okorafor, the Rt. Rev. Prof Emmanuel Iheagwam was being celebrated because of his leadership qualities and pragmatic approach to issues.
He quoted the pioneer Bishop as always saying that ”we are all learning in every day of our lives”.
Bishop Okorafor recalled that Egbu Diocese, when established in 1996, was not giving the chance to survive based on the circumstances surrounding it at that period while under the Diocese of Owerri. But pointed out that with the pragmatic leadership qualities of the pioneer Bishop, the Diocese has clocked 27 years, and still standing very strong on its feet.
Bishop Okorafor highlighted some of the achievements of Bishop Iheagwam before he bowed out of office to include the establishment of Archdeacon Dennis Foundation International Boys Secondary School, Egbu which kick-started same year the Diocese was established, the recovery of Egbu Girls Secondary School as a Missionary School owned by the Diocese from the State Government, Palm plantation project at Emeabiam area of Imo State as well as other agrarian projects provided huge income to the treasury of the Diocese and many more.
In the words of the Lord Chancellor of Orlu Diocese and a retired Judge of Imo State, Goddy Anunihu KSC
“I joined the Service and Ceremony marking the 80th Birthday anniversary of Rt. Rev. E. U. Iheagwam Rtd. Via Zoom from my holiday location in Manchester United Kingdom. It was really glamorous.”
He Congratulated the Bishop Emeritus, the Incumbent Bishop and the Planning committee ” for a good outing.
Some of the dignitaries who graced the event include the Archbishop emeritus of Ecclesiastical Province of Owerri and retired Bishop of Orlu, Most Rev. B.C I Okoro, Bishops Chidi Oparaojiaku, Emma Maduwihe PhD, Chamberlain Ogunedo, retired Bishop of Mbaise, Rt Rev Bright Ogu and their wives.
The Chancellor of the Diocese, Chief Magistrate Maureen Onyewuotu, and the Legal team were also present as well as Hon. Justice Ijeoma Agugua.
Others present were Senator Sam Anyanwu (Sam Daddy), the Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, who unveiled a book, “Autobiography of the Rt Rev Prof. Emmanuel Uchechukwu Iheagwam” as part of the events which marked the Bishop Iheagwam’s 80th birthday.
Also in attendance were Hon James Onyeriri, the Lord Chancellor of Oji River Diocese, Bar. Aham Eke -ejelam (SAN), Hon. Rogers Nwoke, and Sir Sam Ojukwu amongst several others.
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