Christmas: Bishop Ezeokafor Fetes Benefactors, Friends, VIPs, Security, Media....

St. Patrick's Catholic Cathedral, Awka was a beehive of activities on Tuesday, 15 December, 2015, as the Catholic bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor held his annual dinner for  diocesan benefactors, friends, VIPs, security ,media chiefs, top government functionaries including Governor Willie Obiano academics, traditional rulers ,clergymen and religious.
The action packed event which was held at the Knight of St. John International's conference hall started at exactly 5:33 pm with all the invited guests seated.
Speaking at the event, Bishop Ezeokafor expressed gratitude to God for the gift of life and good health as well as for bringing them thus far, noting that the essence of having them around was to familiarise with each of them .
Bishop Ezeokafor expressed delight over the turnout at the event and thanked them for honouring his invitation saying that it was a day set aside by the diocese to thank God for a successful year as well as herald the arrival of the coming Year with the crème de la crème in Anambra state.
He said even though the Christmas get-together came at the middle of December, his message of love and friendliness remained the same. He stated that he would continue to identify with progressive minded individuals as well as all those who have the interest of the common man at heart.
Bishop Ezeokafor enjoined them to use the occasion as a way of bridging the gap between the Church and all those holding key positions in all government's establishment even as he urged them to feel free to partner with the Church.
He commended all those who attended the party especially the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano who was accompanied by  the national chairman of APGA, Dr. Victor Oye; Chief of staff, Prof. Joe Asike; Head of Service, Dr Harry Udu; Commissioner for information, culture and tourism, Dr. Mrs Uju Nwogu; Education Commissioner, Prof. Kate Omenugha, for keeping the state alive.
The highly elated man of God, extolled Gov. Obiano  for all the works he said he has done so far in the State and urged him to maintain the tempo.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Auxiliary Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye said the event was organized in a bid to appreciate those who have contributed their resources, time, advice and effort towards the affairs of the diocese.
He called on Christians to utilize the advent season effectively and should not allow themselves to be carried away by the frivolities of the period.
Earlier in a speech, Governor Willie Obiano thanked the bishop for the invitation and also for singling him (Gov. Obiano) out for special praise. He assured ndi Anambra of crime free Yuletide
Corroborating the Governor, the national chairman of APGA Chief Victor Oye stated that the Governor has put measures in place to ensure hitch-free Christmas and new year celebrations.
Also speaking, the immediate past national chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, commended the bishop for bringing them together to rejoice with him .
In their separate speeches, the vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku and Provost Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, Prof. Josephat Ogbuagu, mni, praised the Bishop's initiative and emphasised on the importance of relaxation in every individual's life after a hard job.
The duo, stressed the importance of sharing joy with others and called on others to borrow a leaf from Bishop Ezeokafor as he was able to draw people from different spheres of life together irrespective of ideology, saying that it was essential that people learn how to appreciate those who they work with.
Names of those who graced the occasion were diocesan chancellor, Rev. Fr. Francis Chidume ; Bishop's secretary, Rev. Fr. Michael Muonwe; Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Udechukwu (DPO); Rev. Fr. Kenneth Amakeze (Master of ceremony), religious men and women
Others were His Royal Majesty, Igwe Gibson Nwosu His Royal Majesty Peter Anugwu (Igwe Mbaukwu), head of service Anambra State,Dr. Harry Udu;  Vice chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Prof. Joseph Eberendu  Ahaneku and wife ; provost of federal college of education technical, Umunze, Prof. Josephat Ogbuagu, mni, Chief Sir Victor Umeh (Ohamadike)
Chief Sir O.B Onyali SAN; Anambra state deputy Commissioner of police, Mr. Bashiru Makama represented by ASP Opara M.I; the managing director/editor-in-chief of Anambra Newspaper and printing cooperation (ANPC), publishers of National Light, Mr. Chuka Nnabuife ; RATTAWU state chairman, Comrade Prince Emeka Kalu (Magic Fingers); Director of news and current affairs Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Mr. Gab Okpalaeze; station manager Unizik FM, Mrs Ify Obi; special assistant to the deputy governor on media, Mrs Stella Igboka; The Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, Mr. Emmanuel Ifesinachi; deputy editor Fides Newspaper, Mrs Uche Amunike among others
High point of occasion were special musical rendition offered by  Tansi international college and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka students and presentation of gifts