By Osegbue Patricia
The Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), Onitsha Archdiocese, has honoured 153 recipients, including Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, the Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), at its 2026 Diocesan Convention.
Omenugha received the award of Grand Patroness alongside 152 other recipients in recognition of their contributions to the Church and society.
The convention, held on Oct. 24, at the field of the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha, attracted dignitaries, including Mr Peter Obi, of the Nigeria Democratic Congress(NDC)candidate; Sen. Tony Nwoye, member representing Anambra North Senatorial District; Sen. Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District; and the Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Hon. Ikechukwu Peter Mofuluanya.
The event began with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Onitsha Archdiocesan Vicar-General and CWO Chaplain, Very Rev. Fr. Johnbosco Okafor.
In a homily on the theme, “Building Christ Centred Families in an Ever Changing World,” Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Megwalu urged mothers to uphold truth and sound moral values in raising their children.
He cautioned parents against encouraging examination malpractice or supporting dishonest means of acquiring wealth in their efforts to provide for their children.
Megwalu advised mothers to devote time to understanding, guiding and nurturing their children, while encouraging regular family prayers to instil Christian values.
He also emphasised the importance of peace and mutual respect between spouses, urging couples to apologise sincerely when they offend each other.
According to him, peaceful and happy homes contribute to the development of a better society.
Another highlight of the convention was the unveiling of statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary by politicians and CWO members.
Some award recipients, who spoke with the Information Officer, expressed gratitude to God and appreciation to the organisers for recognising their contributions to the Church and society.
One of the recipients, Ezinne Maureen Nwagboliwe Onyejekwe of St. Mary’s Parish, Inland Town, Onitsha, said she had contributed to the growth of the Church in Onitsha and Asaba, where she resides.
The President of CWO Onitsha Region, Mrs Uju Ikpeama, congratulated the Archdiocesan President, Dame. Ngozi Nwanosike, and the Secretary, Mrs Chika Obike, on the convention.
She prayed for God’s continued guidance and strength for the leadership, expressing hope that the Holy Spirit, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, would sustain them in their service to the Church.
In his remarks, Sen. Nwoye pledged to donate 30,000 pieces of CWO wrappers to the women in November. He also provided transport fares for participants travelling to and from the venue.
The senator had donated 20,000 pieces of wrappers to the organisation in 2025. He, however, said the planned distribution would be limited to beneficiaries with Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
In his closing remarks, Fr. Okafor thanked the award recipients and other participants, particularly those who had contributed to the growth of the CWO and the Church.
He prayed for God’s blessings of wisdom, good health, deeper faith and renewed commitment to their apostolate, while seeking the continued intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Osegbue Patricia is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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