John Nwaigwe
MAYOR OF AROCHUKWU, PROF. OKEREKE EZE ARU, HAILS 1ST IHECHIOWA PARISH, PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF NIGERIA, OBINTO IHECHIOWA AT 73RD ANNIVERSARY, COMMENDS SUSTAINED FAITH AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
It was a momentous gathering of faith, community, and heritage as the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria (PCN), 1st Ihechiowa Parish, Obinto Ihechiowa, marked its glorious 73rd Anniversary and Thanksgiving Service.
Adding immense prestige to the historic milestone, the Executive Mayor of Arochukwu Local Government Area, Engr. Prof. Okereke Eze Aru, graced the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour, joining the congregation, clergy, and sons and daughters of Ihechiowa in profound praise and thanksgiving.
Speaking during the service, Mayor Okereke Eze Aru warmly congratulated the leadership, minister-in-charge, and the entire congregation of Obinto Parish for reaching the remarkable 73-year milestone. He passionately hailed the sustainability and enduring legacy of the church, noting that standing strong as a beacon of faith, moral instruction, and community development for over seven decades is a monumental achievement.
He noted that reaching 73 years of unbroken spiritual impact is a profound testament to divine grace and the steadfast dedication of founding fathers, past ministers, and the current congregation who have kept the flame of faith burning. This institution has not only nurtured souls and shaped character but has also fostered unity and communal harmony among our people
The Mayor lauded the church for its unwavering spiritual stewardship and its complementary role in fostering peace, unity, and socio-cultural values across Ihechiowa and Arochukwu Local Government Area at large. He emphasized that religious institutions remain critical partners in grassroots development, character building, and the overall transformation of society.
Reaffirming his administration’s open-door policy and commitment to grassroots collaboration, Mayor Okereke encouraged the congregation to keep sustaining the founding values of the church—love, diligence, and service to humanity.
The Mayor also extended his heartfelt congratulations to Hon. Okwudiri Kalu Okore (Morgan) the Councilor representing Ikwun Ward as he received award “Strength of the Weak”!
Reacting to the well-deserved honor, the Mayor commended the Councilor for his exemplary representation, grassroots dedication, and consistent commitment to community development and church partnership. He noted that being recognized by a historic institution like the 1st Ihechiowa Parish, Obinto Ihechiowa is a clear reflection of impactful service, humility, and positive leadership.
“This recognition is a testament to your hard work, dedication to community values, and the synergy you maintain between legislative duties and grassroots progress,” the Mayor stated. “On behalf of the government and good people of Arochukwu LGA, I celebrate this milestone with you and encourage you to continue rendering selfless service to our people.”
The Mayor joined other dignitaries and congregation in offering prayers for the continued growth, spiritual expansion, and prosperity of the parish.
The joyful celebration featured Soul-stirring Hymns, Awards and Powerful Ministrations that left the congregation inspired for the years ahead.
