DIOCESE OF NIGER DELTA NORTH HONOURS 61 NEW KNIGHTS AND LADIES AT 30TH ANNIVERSARY SERVICE IN PORT HARCOURT

DIOCESE OF NIGER DELTA NORTH HONOURS 61 NEW KNIGHTS AND LADIES AT 30TH ANNIVERSARY SERVICE IN PORT HARCOURT
By Prince Benson Davies

The Diocese of Niger Delta North of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has inducted 61 new Knights and Ladies into its orders of service as part of activities marking the 30th anniversary of the diocese. The investiture ceremony took place at the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul, Diobu, Port Harcourt, and drew Anglican faithful and dignitaries from across Nigeria and the diaspora.

Presiding over the ceremony, the Bishop of Niger Delta North, Rt. Rev. Wisdom Budu Ihunwo DSSRS, decorated Sir Dr. Gabriel Nchey Achukwu and his wife Lady Dr. Barbara Ejemah Nchey-Achukwu into the Order of the Knight of the Good Shepherd (KGS). They were among those honored across three orders: Knight and Lady of the Good Shepherd, Knight of Saint Christopher (KSC), and Knight of Saint Mary (KSM).

Speaking during the investiture, Bishop Ihunwo said the recipients were selected for their proven character and commitment to service in God’s vineyard and to humanity. He urged the newly inducted knights and ladies to reflect on their responsibilities as lay members of the church and to use their positions to advance the mission of the Anglican Communion.

“We call on the new Knights to remember that the best thing to think of whenever they remember themselves as a Knight is ‘What is my work or duty as a lay member of the Church of God, especially to the Anglican Church’. We therefore congratulate and wish all the worthy recipients of the Knighthood Order of Saint Christopher, Saint Mary and Good Shepherd. Many more years of meritorious Service to God and humanity,” the bishop said.

Delivering the sermon, the Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Rt. Rev. Geoffrey O. Ibeabuchi, congratulated the awardees and said their selection was based on lives that reflect Christ-like character. He described the honour as a call to greater responsibility in service to God and the community.

Speaking after the ceremony, Sir Dr. Gabriel Achukwu said he felt unworthy of the recognition and saw it as God’s grace rather than personal merit. He dedicated the honour to his faith and pledged to remain committed to higher service in the church and society. He also commended Bishop Ihunwo for his leadership in the diocese.

Lady Dr. Barbara Ejemah Nchey-Achukwu, who serves as Assistant General Manager, Media, Protocol and Event Planning in the Corporate Affairs Department of the Nigerian Ports Authority, said the recognition was a reminder that service does not go unnoticed. She expressed gratitude to God, the bishop, and the NPA management for the support and opportunities she has received in her career.

The event also recognised other prominent honourees, including the Secretary of Obio Akpor LGA, Sir Hon. Dr. Kelvin Akani, and Sir Cosy Favour Umeh, both inducted into the Order of Knight of Saint Christopher.

The investiture formed a key part of the diocese’s 30th anniversary celebrations, which aimed to reflect on three decades of ministry while encouraging renewed dedication to faith and community service across the diocese.