…Describes honour as call to higher service
The Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, has been invested into the Order of the Knighthood of St Christopher by the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Diocese of Ukwa, in recognition of his service to the Church and society.
The solemn ceremony which took place at the St Peter’s Church, Obohia-Ndoki in Ukwa East Local Government Area, was presided over by His Lordship, Bishop of Ukwa Diocese, the Rt. Rev’d Manasses Chijioke Okere.
The event also featured the investiture of knights and Ladies into the Orders of St Christopher(KSC), St Mary, the Mother of Jesus(KSM), as well as the the ordination of Priests, Deacons, and the licensing of 69 Lay Readers.
In his goodwill message, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, congratulated Prince Kanu on what he described as a well-deserved recognition.
Governor Otti urged Prince Kanu to continue upholding the virtues of humility, truth and sacrifice which the Knighthood of St Christopher represents.
“This special recognition not only underscores your unwavering faith and deep-rooted commitment to the body of Christ but also bears testimony to your exemplary life of service, integrity and devotion to godly values in both your personal and public life.
“I urge you to continue upholding the virtues of humility, truth and sacrifice which the Knighthood of St Christopher represents.
“Your enlistment is a source of pride not only to your family and the Anglican Communion but also to our administration and the entire people of Abia State.
“May the grace of God continue to guide you in all your endeavors as you serve Him and our dear state with even greater zeal and spiritual wisdom”, Governor Otti added.
Also, the Chairman of Ukwa East LGA, Hon. Chibuuna Akara, described Prince Kanu as an illustrious son of Ndoki land whose recognition reflects faith, service, and leadership both within the church and the community and thanked the Anglican Church for finding him worthy of the noble honour.
Earlier in his sermon, Rt Rev Manasses Okere, charged the honourees to see the knighthood not as a title, but as a call to deeper commitment to the Christian faith, service to humanity and the Church.
The Clergyman urged them to live lives of integrity, compassion, moral uprightness, and reminded them that their elevation came with great spiritual responsibility.
“You have been called not just to wear regalia, but to wear Christ in your actions, in your words, and in your devotion to truth and service.
“Don’t bring shame to the house of God. Every shame you bring to the church of God, God will give it back to you in double, because God cannot be mocked. Whatever you sow, that is what you will reap”, the Bishop warned.
He admonished christians, especially those in positions of service, to turn away from sin and embrace righteousness.
Speaking to Newsmen after his investiture, Prince Okey Kanu who revealed that he had initially turned down a nomination to be knighted 23 years ago, expressed gratitude to God, describing the honour as a personal and spiritual call to higher duty.
“I feel happy, I feel fulfilled, and I feel grateful to God that I have this opportunity to serve Him more in this new position as a Knight”, he said.
The Commissioner, who noted that his service to God and humanity predates the knighthood investiture, described the honour as an “added task”.
He said that the knighthood simply formalises a life of faith, moral responsibility, and commitment to serving God and humanity with renewed zeal and devotion.
“This is a call to higher duty. I don’t think it’s a challenge, i’ve always been serving God and serving humanity. You can say it is an added task.
“It is a position that makes it possible for you to get closer to God, to serve him some more. That’s basically what it is. Forget the glamour of uniform and the sword. It’s all about service, to serve God and humanity.
“I am truly humbled by this spiritual responsibility. It is not just an honour, but a call to live even more faithfully, both in my service to the State and to God”, he said.