Emeritus Catholic Archbishop of Abuja John Cardinal Onaiyekan will lead discussions on Nigeria’s challenges and the role of faith-based organisations at a colloquium marking the 50th anniversary of the Knights of St. John International (KSJI) and Ladies’ Auxiliary in Nigeria on Saturday.
The event scheduled for 3 p.m. at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria Durumi Abuja will bring together religious leaders legal practitioners politicians and business executives to examine the Order’s contributions to society and its future.
The colloquium themed: ’50 Years of Faith Knighthood and Service’ is part of activities marking five decades of the Order’s presence in Nigeria.
Other discussants include retired Justice of the Supreme Court Dame Mary Odili; former Anambra State governorship candidate Sir Paul Chukwuma; Managing Director of Gasstocks Limited Sir Emmanuel Okene; Senior Advocate of Nigeria Alex Ejesieme; and financial expert Dame Beatrice Akanji.
The Supreme Subordinate President of KSJI Nigeria Sir Chuks Amamgbo said the anniversary would provide an opportunity for the organisation to assess its achievements and contribute to discussions on national development.
‘We are grateful to God for the opportunity to celebrate this landmark. No doubt it will afford us the opportunity not only to assess ourselves and our Order but also provide a veritable platform to assess the state of the nation and proffer solutions’ he said.
The colloquium will be followed by a dinner and awards night to recognise individuals who have contributed to the growth of the Order and society.
According to the Chairman of the KSJI Strategic Communication Committee Sir Peter Osamgbi award recipients will include President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso; Chief Gabriel Igbinedion; former Rivers State Governor Peter Odili; Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah; Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma; former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi; and Zenith Bank Group Managing Director Dame Adaora Umeoji-Nwokoye.
Others listed for awards are Sir Kenneth Ifekudu Dr. Bonna Ugwuja and Sir Ikenna Chukwueke.
Posthumous awards will also be presented in honour of Dominic Cardinal Ekandem and Bishop Godfrey Okoye.
The Supreme Subordinate President of the Ladies’ Auxiliary Lady Nonye Okafor said the celebration would recognise the contributions of the organisation’s founding fathers and others who had supported its growth.
‘We intend to also use this opportunity to remember appreciate and recognize those who have been part of our success story particularly our founding fathers’ she said.
Amamgbo said the year-long golden jubilee activities would culminate in a grand finale in Enugu the Nigerian headquarters of the Order from December 3 to 6.
He said other activities would include a concert the release of a specially composed anniversary song the presentation of a coffee-table book documenting the Order’s history and a thanksgiving Mass.
The golden jubilee celebrates the Order’s five decades of faith charity service and commitment to the Catholic Church and society.