LATE Chief Chukwuneke Ofodile, who brought the Catholic fate to Awka
in 1916, is one of 43 persons to be honoured by the Church during its
centenary celebration tomorrow.
The award would be one of the highlights of the week-long celebration
which started last Sunday in all the parishes in the town, with Rosary
procession from the parishes, which terminated at the famous St.
Patrick’s Cathedral with a benediction.
Chairman of the centenary celebration committee, Professor Austin
Nonyelu, went down memory lane on how Chief Ofodile attracted the church
to the area despite initial challenges.
Nonyelu said: “Chief Ofodile went to Igbariam to invite the white
Reverend Fathers. They were referred to Nteje to discuss with Father
Bubendorff, who accepted to meet them later in Awka.
“As agreed, Father Bubendorff, who was accompanied by Brother Joseph,
later arrived in Awka and requested Chief Offodile to gather other
chiefs and elders to meet him. The meeting became a watershed, as it
mid-wifed the birth of the new school and church in Awka.
“As part of his personal contribution, Chief Offodile donated a piece
of land at the extreme part of Awka to the new church and requested his
colleagues to clear the land. A new school was therefore erected there:
a mud house thatched with raffia mats. The school became operational
same year (1916), and one Felix Udeme, from Osomala in the present day
Ogbaru, was posted to be in charge.”
Challenges
Nonyelu said the school encountered a number of challenges including
lack of pupils and stiff competition from the government school, which
was better located and was also better equipped and staffed, adding that
it was for that reason that Fr. Bubendorff requested for a change of
site for the school which was accepted in 1923.
The school was later moved to the present site: 349, Zik Avenue,
Awka, near Nkwo Market, and also doubled as St. Cyprian Catholic Church.
Nonyelu said the centenary celebration will come to a climax with a
Concelebrated Mass to be officiated by the Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most
Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, to be assisted by many Bishops and over 100
priests from the various parts of the country on April 16 at the
Cathedral.
According to the chairman, prominent Nigerians, including Governor
Willie Obiano of Anambra State, minister of employment, Senator Chris
Ngige, former Governor Peter Obi, former national Chairman of All
Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, among many others,
are expected to grace the week-long event.
Nonyelu, who described 2016 as a special year for Awka people and
those residing in the city, observed that the Catholic Church had grown
substantially over the years with notable infrastructure, accompanied
with spiritual and human development.
He said at the beginning of this year, there were 27 indigenous
priests of Awka, in addition to many educational and health
institutions, adding that despite some challenges, the church was still
growing at a tremendous rate.
Secretary of the committee, Mr. Uba Anene, explained that 43 persons
would receive awards as part of the activities during the celebration,
adding that among the awardees would be Chief Ofodile who would be
honoured posthumously for bringing the Catholic Church to Awka.
