By Raymond Ozoji, Awka
St. Paul Catholic Church Nnobi in Idemili-South Local Government Area of Anambra State venue of the child dedication ceremony of Dr. Nelson Obinna Omenugha was filled to the brim on Sunday 25th August 2024 as stakeholders from all walks of life thronged in solidarity to bear witness as Francis Cardinal Arinze dedicated Chihotaram Omenugha to God.
The church service which had over 40 priests, bishops, knights and the globally revered Francis Cardinal Arinze in attendance portrayed the fact that there was need for one to put God first in all things as exemplified in the lives of Mr and Mrs. Nelson Omenugha.
Indeed the Angels and Saints came down from Heaven and surrounded Chihotaram Omenugha as Francis Cardinal Arinze officially handed her over to her creator in thanksgiving and gratitude profound.
Although Nelson Omenugha is born of an accomplished parents: his father Dr. Mike Omenugha (Ichie Obama) a renowned medical doctor; his mother Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha current acting Vice Chancellor Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University in Anambra State; all these didn't sway him in any way instead Nelson chose a humble beginning with brilliance of mind attaining very lofty heights early in life.
Indeed, it was historical as all who attended Chihotaram's dedication ceremony attested to the fact that if a child washes his hands clean, he will dine with elders. Nelson Omenugha has washed his hands clean and currently dinning with elders at a very relatively young age. Hence dignitaries too numerous to mention added glitz and glamour to the occasion.
Nelson Omenugha's father Lord Dr. Mike Omenugha Ichie Obama, a Knight of St.John International and a Knight of Service and Quality International, told journalists that he personally initiated Nelson into Nnobi Traditional Ozo Title Holders and that the name he gave him is Nnayelugo meaning God's abundant blessings upon his life.
Ichie Obama who was a former President-General of Nnobi community therefore recalled that Chief Ibeto was the chairman of his son's wedding ceremony. That Bishop Cardinal Okpalaeke, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and Bishop Jonas Benson were the three Bishops and about 200 priests that participated in Nelson's wedding ceremony.
Ichie Obama said Francis Cardinal Arinze crowned everything by personally dedicating Nelson's child to God amidst joy and jubilations.
He therefore acknowledged the presence of the Anambra State Government on the occasion as the Secretary to the State Government Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, the Commissioner for Entertainment, Leisure and Tourism Mr. Don Onyenji, the Chief of Staff Mr. Earnest Ezeajughi, the Chief of Protocols and Deputy Chief of Staff Mr. Chinedu Nwoye Glamour, the Commissioner for Health Dr. Ben Afam Obidike, the Commissioner for Budget Helen Nnake, the Chairman Anambra State Local Government Service Commission Barr. Vin Ifeanyi Ezeaka and Mr. Paul Chukwuma, all showered encomiums on Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Omenugha, wishing them marital bliss.
Also the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly Rt.Hon.Dr.Somtochukwu Udeze, the Majority Leader of the House of Assembly Hon. Dr. Ikenna Ofodeme, the lawmaker representing Idemili-South state constituency in the 8th assembly Hon. Ebuka Igwe, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) High Chief Barr. Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, the Special Adviser to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo on Entertainment, Leisure and Tourism Mr. Bob-Manuel Udokwu, the former Managing Director of the Anambra State Signage and Advertising Agency Mr. Jude Emecheta, the Managing Director of the Anambra State Waste Management Authority Mr. Mike Ozoemena, the Transition Committee Chairman of Idemili-South Local Government Area Hon. Amaka Obi, the Transition Committee Chairman of Awka-North Local Government Area Hon. ThankGod Chibuike Anagor, Transition Committee Chairman of Aguata council area Dr. Chibueze Ofobuike, the YESS Movement and a host of other dignitaries described Dr. Nelson Obinna Omenugha as a role model to youths in general.
The Chief of Protocols Mr. Chinedu Nwoye Glamour who also doubles as the Chairman of All Soludo Support Groups said Nelson Omenugha is not just a youth but a progressive one at that. This he said was the remote reason people came from far and near to identify with him in his child's dedication because he is a good guy. Nwoye however admonished youths to start early and seek God first as he believes very strongly that Christianity has a way it shapens life. He said that Nelson Omenugha is already growing in the way of the Lord !
Meanwhile the Managing Director of the Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA) Mr. Mike Ozoemena believes that youths should not be afraid of marriage instead they should brace up and face the realities of marriage to enable them nurture and train their children in their youthful age, adding that youths should borrow a leaf from Dr. Nelson Obinna Omenugha, whom he described as a role model for deploying his youthful age to begin his own family early.
Similarly, the Dean faculty of Physical Sciences Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University and Chairman Tree Planting and Climate Action Committee of the university, Professor Kingsley Nwozor, opined that Nelson Omenugha saw tomorrow with a telescope and moved towards it with vision, mission and purpose.
Prof. Nwozor noted that Nelson Omenugha has transformed all his friends and network into a structure that will empower Anambra youths through the One Youth Two Skills Development Programme.
He said Nelson Omenugha is focussed and investing in the next generation which is basically why people travelled from far and wide to come celebrate as well as rejoice with him as he dedicated his first offspring to God Almighty.
The professor of Geology and Geophysics however stressed that if youths can not have Dr. Nelson Omenugha as mentor, they can as well read about him and have him as a role model. That Nelson embraced knowledge and has a Doctorate Degree at his age. That Nelson also embraced skills and he is a Solar Power Engineer coupled with a sense of business culture.
Bob-Manuel Udokwu the Special Adviser to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo on Entertainment, Leisure and Tourism, believes that Nelson Omenugha's resourcefulness has taken him to places where his peers still dream to be.
The pioneer Nollywood super star said the young lad has washed his hands clean as reflected in the calibre of men and women who graced his child dedication ceremony. He said he attended the ceremony because he owes Nelson Omenugha that respect as a young chap who has distinguished himself creditably well amongst his peers.
According to the actor, the life of Dr. Nelson Obinna Omenugha is worthy of emulation and youths, he believes, can emulate the qualities that make him standout from the crowd so that Anambra State and Nigeria can have more youths like Dr. Nelson Obinna Omenugha.
For the Majority Leader of the Anambra State House of Assembly Hon. Dr. Ikenna Ofodeme, Chihotaram's dedication was to thank and glorify God that the child is a special gift to them and all who attended the ceremony, came to bear witness.
Ofodeme who advised youths to put God first in everything, said Nelson has actually proved that God is the Alpha and Omega. He said that Nelson Omenugha has proven that the youths are no longer the leaders of tomorrow but leaders of the present day.
Furthermore the State Chairman of APGA High Chief Barr. Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, said Nelson has cut across cleavages far beyond his age bracket which is why elders found it most expedient to attend his child dedication ceremony.
Obi-Okoye opined that it was not about Nelson's parents but the fact that the young man has done well for himself in humility and brilliance of mind. He equally subscribed to the fact that Nelson's character and lifestyle is worth-emulating, adding that youths could actually attain their El dorado through purposeful endeavours.
Dr. Nelson Obinna Omenugha who is currently the Special Adviser to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo on Youth Empowerment, said that Francis Cardinal Arinze has been a great source of inspiration to him and any time he spoke to him, he always has something very significant to impact in his life.
Nelson told journalists that his daughter's dedication was the first ever child dedication Cardinal Arinze did as a cardinal in the catholic faith, noting that Francis Cardinal Arinze is a great positive influence in his life.
He therefore thanked the Church and every single person who made efforts to see that Chihotaram's dedication ceremony was a huge success even as he stated that his baby will grow up to cherish the day she was presented to God in praises and thanksgiving.
That his child came with a lot of joy and blessings and they owe profound gratitude to God for the special gift. Although he stated that his life is backed by grace, he admonished youths to make a special request to God asking Him what purpose he created them to fulfill in life. That if they understand the purpose God created them for, they will focus more on serving Him and humanity.
He said he is very happy that he could be of great influence to so many youths out there but also advised them to look inwards to discover how they can contribute their own quota in solving societal problems and not escalating them. That youths should think of how to be of great positive impact to the society and humanity not to indulge in acts and actions that could be inimical and detrimental to their dreams and aspirations.
Omenugha therefore stated categorically that Anambra youths are blessed with the kind of governor they have. He said Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo is ready to reward as well as encourage youths with innovative skills and exceptional talents in line with his disruptive change mantra.
According to him, his office will continue to collaborate with every youth formation in the State towards achieving the greater desire of the governor as it concerns youth empowerments. He also added that the quality of attendance to Chihotaram's dedication ceremony was unique, colourful and unprecedented, stressing that he would forever cherish that moment !
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