By Charles Igbo
A humble and excited Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has told the newly installed Catholic Archbishop of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace the Most Reverend Lucius Ugorji and his predecessor, Emeritus Archbishop AJV Obinna, that he is an Unbreakable member of the Catholic Church, and remains loyal to their spiritual guidance for the good of Imo State and Nigeria.
The historic installation of Ugorji, Uzodinma said, reminded him of his youth, and brought back emotional nostalgia.
The Governor: “Being here today brings back nostalgic memories of my youth and reminds me of my unbreakable membership of the Catholic Church.”
The Governor spoke during the installation ceremony at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, of Ugorji as the new Archbishop. He was installed on Thursday, June 23, 2022, by the Papal Nuncio, Antonio Guido Filipazzi (representative of the Pope)
The grand and solemn ceremony was witnessed by hundreds of eminent Nigerians, including two Catholic Cardinals and 48 Bishops.
Following, are the brief remarks by the Governor whose State, successfully, hosted the high profile crowd, without any incident.
“I am very thankful to Almighty God who made it possible for me to witness this historic and memorable ceremony.
“Being here today brings back nostalgic memories of my youth and reminds me of my unbreakable membership of the Catholic Church.
“I warmly congratulate and felicitate with our new Archbishop, His Grace, Rev. Lucius Ugorji on his installation. May I also seize this opportunity to most sincerely appreciate the outgoing Archbishop, His Grace, AJV Obinna, for his eventful, very remarkable tenure which stretched from 1994 to 2022.
“Without doubt, His Grace, Archbishop AJV Obinna, is leaving the Church he inherited in 1994 a bigger and stronger organisation that is more responsive to the crucial needs of our people thanks to his style of aggressive evangelism. It is also on record that he faced many battles, and weathered a lot of storms.
“The retiring Archbishop can be likened to Saint Paul in many ways. Therefore, I dare say to Your Grace, Archbishop Obinna, you fought a good fight, and you’ve finished the race.
“Our new Archbishop, His Grace, Lucius Ugorji, please, permit me to humbly remind you of the obvious. Much is expected from you. As you know, the divine office of the Archbishop of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province is the Spiritual Headquarters of Catholics in both Imo State and Abia State.
“This implies that a great number of the Catholic faithfuls in the two states and beyond will look up to your new office for their spiritual well-being.
“You are taking over at a time when our Nation appears at a crossroad.
“Sadly, we are witnessing the highest levels of insecurity than ever before. We are also witnessing the aftermath of a global pandemic and economic hardship which continues to test the faith of many citizens if our country; thus, much is indeed expected from you as the shepherd of the faithfuls.
“I am gladdened, however, by the fact that your pedigree, your education and vast pastoral experience makes you eminently qualified for the task ahead.
“I have no doubt that you are the right man for this challenging job at this challenging time.
“While it is expected that you will provide the much needed direction for both the clergy and the laity in the Archdiocese. The larger society will look forward to you to provide an unwavering voice for the voiceless.”
Ugorji was the Archbishop of Umuahia Ecclesiastical Province before he was appointed the Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province. He is a native of Naze in the Owerri North Local Government of Imo State.
