St. Benjamin’s Catholic Church, Olowoora’s 2014 awards and recognition ceremony took place last weekend in Lagos. Reporter, REGINA WHENU, was there…
Wife of Lagos State Governor, Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola, was among the personalities honoured at the 2014 awards and recognition ceremony of St. Benjamin’s Catholic Church, Olowoora, Isheri, Lagos, which took place on Saturday, September 20.
Others who were honoured include Bishop of Lagos Catholic Archdiocese, Alfred Adewale Martins; and Emeritus Archbishop of Lagos, Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie; who were honoured with the “Torch of Faith” award for their guidance, support and benevolence.
For her tireless advocate of health and socio-economic issues, Dame Fashola bagged the ‘Icon of Faith’ award at the event that took place at NECA Events Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.
The governor’s wife was, in 2010 awarded by His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, in recognition of her modest contribution to humanity.
Guest speaker at the occasion was Dr. (Mrs.) Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu, Chairman Board of Management of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba.
Speaking on reason for the awards, Chairman, Planning Committee, Ladi Taiwo, stated that it is a concept through which the parish appreciates those who have contributed to its development.
“The essence of all we are doing today is to bring together all the benefactors who have raised a hand, who have used their talents, treasure and time to help develop the parish to what it is today. We have called them today to celebrate them and to make them a source of inspiration to others.
“It is a concept in which the parish appreciates those who have contributed to the development of the parish. If you may know, we are today building a new church for the Lord. St. Benjamin, as of today, is some 32 years old; but about six years as a parish. It was formally an outstation of St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Ikeja.”
Taiwo urged the awardees to see the gesture as a call to continually give their resources, time and talent to foster the work of God.
The late Benjamin Olaiya, who was honoured with the “Light Bearer” award is said to have charted a path when and where it seemed to be none.
Monsignor John Kanebi Asuquo Aniagwu, Very Rev. Fr. Gabriel Kunle Amolegbe, Rev. Fr. Innocent Chikelue Amasiorah and Joseph Bayo Fakorede were honoured with “Worthy Ambassador” awards for their sterling qualities and contributions.
Lolo Grace Okpara, Dr. Clementina Owokade, Mrs. Caroline Bello – Aromire, Mrs. Susan Onwudinjo bagged the “Most Distinguished Supporter” awards, while Rev. Sr. Maria Nwokorie and Martha Usomine were honoured with the “Pride of Faith” awards for their immense contribution to the growth of the church.
The event was anchored by Osita Chukwu and supported by MC Philosopher, MC Virgin Boy and MC Triple V.
The first open-air Mass at St. Benjamin’s Catholic Church was conducted by Rev. Fr. Hugh Ford (SMA), the then Parish Priest of St. Leo’s Ikeja, on Monday, December 26, 1983 with 26 faithful.
