By Sunny A. David, Awka
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has dedicated the newly completed church edifice of Our Lady of Assumption Parish, Amudo-Awka, in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The dedication ceremony, held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, coincided with the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and attracted Catholic priests, parishioners, families and other guests.
A major highlight of the celebration was the blessing of the church tower, while awards were presented to individuals who contributed significantly to the growth and development of the parish. Among those honoured were the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Simon Peter Obiakor; the parish benefactor, Dame Ann Okafor; the First Vice Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council, Hon. Uche Collins Okoye; and the Managing Director of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Hon. Dr. Ossy Onuko.
In his homily, Bishop Ezeokafor reminded the faithful that their bodies are temples of God and urged them to dedicate their lives to God by pursuing holiness and living according to Christian values.
The Bishop expressed appreciation to all those who contributed to the construction of the church, particularly Dame Ann Okafor and her late husband, Barr. Amanke Okafor, whose contributions played a significant role in the development of the parish.
He recalled that the idea for the church dedication was conceived during his previous pastoral visit to the parish and expressed satisfaction that the project had been completed about three years later.
Bishop Ezeokafor commended the Parish Priest, Parish Pastoral Council, Building Committee and other contributors for their commitment and efforts toward completing the project.
Speaking after the ceremony, Fr. Obiakor thanked the Bishop for his support and described the dedication as a major milestone in the history of the parish.
He explained that the parish began as a Block Rosary Centre in 1981 and later developed into a parish in 2011.
The priest also expressed appreciation to the Okafor family for their generosity and contribution to the growth of the parish.
In their address, parishioners also thanked Bishop Ezeokafor for appointing Fr. Obiakor as their Parish Priest, describing his leadership as instrumental in promoting peace and unity within the parish.
According to the parishioners, Fr. Obiakor’s humility and commitment helped resolve longstanding challenges and created an atmosphere that enabled the church dedication project to become a reality.
They appealed to the Bishop to continue to support the parish and also sought assistance in addressing some of their challenges, particularly the lack of a playing field.
The celebration was attended by several priests, including the Chancellor of Awka Diocese, Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubisi; Rev. Monsignor John Paul Nzomiwu; and the Director of Fides Media, Rev. Fr. Mark Obiorah Ikeh.
The event also featured cultural performances by Anya Fulugo Cultural Music Dance of the parish’s Altar Boys Association, adding colour to the celebration chaired by the ACTDA Managing Director, Dr. Ossy Onuko.
The dedication marked another significant milestone in the growth and development of Our Lady of Assumption Parish, Amudo-Awka.
