Nigeria shines at world KSJI Convention; Okekenta elected VP

Dr. Dan Okekenta has become the first Nigerian to attain the rank of Lieutenant-General and Vice-President in the highly-respected Catholic Order of Knight of St. John International (KSJI).
This happened recently when Nigerian members of the Order visited the city of Columbus in the state of Ohio, United States of America, for the 2014 KSJI Convention.
Sir Okekenta, who was elected Second Vice-President, has been faithful with his duties as member of the global governing body of KSJI within the last 24 years, during which he has been to over several countries in pursuit of KSJI activities.
He has also been serving locally as an officer of the Order in many capacities, at the parish, archdiocesan and national levels. He has been a member of the Supreme Council since 2003.
Okekenta, a philanthropist, author and Abuja-based estate developer in his 50s, is from Enugwu-Agidi town, Anambra State.
The convention, which held at the Renaissance Hotel, inside the Ohio State University Campus, was also attended by the female arm of KSJI, the Ladies Auxiliary.
Coincidentally, the theme of the convention, ‘With God All Things Are Possible’, is actually the motto of the State of Ohio as adopted by the state legislature in the early 1950s.
Welcoming thousands of attendees from all across the globe to the state, Ohio State Governor, John Kasich, said since 1879 when the KSJI headquarters moved to the U.S., “the knights have diligently sought to care for the spiritual, social and physical needs of members and neighbours”.
He added: “Your dedication to your communities is remarkable, and you should be proud of the impact you have made.
“We commend your dedication to religious action, education, charitable benevolence, fraternalism, athleticism, patriotism and community. Your dedication to the mission of KSJI has made our world a better place.”
Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Columbus, Frederick Francis Campbell, commended the KSJI, saying its presence “is a vital sign showing others how to help build the Kingdom of God in our world”.
He prayed for inspiration and energy for attendees to be able to carry out the work that’s ahead for all who serve in the name of God.
The Nigerian male delegation was led by Maj. Gen. Anslem Okafor, and the female was led by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Viola Onwuliri. Others in the delegation included Brig-Gen Jude (NNN) Nwanesi, Rev. Fr. Raph Madu and hundreds of others.
KSJI is one the three major orders of the Lay Catholic Knights in the world. It was founded centuries ago and re-established in the U.S. in 1870. The religious, para-military, humanitarian and social Order of Chivalry is famous for her charity works, church development, educational and humanitarian projects around the world.
Other elected officers of the Supreme Council are: Supreme President-General, Dale Gossiaux; First Vice President, Lt.-Gen. Ton Deluca; Supreme Secretary/ Adjutant General, Lt.-Gen.Ton Zdanowicz; and Treasurer, Lt.-Gen. Terry Mc Cann.
The trustees are Major Generals Martin Bela and Dennis Adjei (Justice of Ghana’s Court of Appeal), and Inspector General, Major General James Gibbon. They have all been installed and have commenced work.