Chapel of Redemption Fathers Mark 2021 Father's Sunday in Grand Style, Honour 4 Veterans

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

As the Chapel of Redemption, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State joined the world to celebrate the 2021 Father's Sunday, fathers have been tasked with adequate parenting of their wards, as well as building Godly homes, as the chief shepards of their families.

The Archbishop, Ecclesiastic Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim made the call in his message to the fathers on the occasion of the globally celebrated 2021 Fathers' Sunday.

In the message, which was delivered at Chapel of Redemption, Unizik Temp. Site through the Chaplain, Ven. Obiorah Alokwu; Archbishop Ibezim, who greeted the fathers on their special Sunday, also challenged them to emulate the biblical Joseph who focused his training and upbringing of Jesus on four key areas, according to Luke 2:41,42 and 52, thereby presenting a guideline on where fathers of today should place their focus in the training of their children.

While highlighting the four areas of focus to include wisdom, stature, favour with God, and favour with men; Archbishop Ibezim also charged the fathers to practically teach their children to develop personal relationship with God, to vehemently love and do things together with their wives, and to unite their families, as Joseph united his family, to the glory of God.

The Anglican prelate also warned that the society would "risk more insecurity, lawlessness, hopelessness and the erosion and demise of the basic institutions of the society without any credible alternative if we do not resurrect prompt and adequate parenting of our wards."

Addressing newsmen after the fun-filled and soul-lifting father's Sunday service at the Chapel, the Chairman, Fathers' Fellowship, Chapel of Redemption, Unizik, Awka, Sir Dr. Chike Nwankwo appreciated described the day as a day set aside to celebrate fathers globally, and appreciated everyone who supported and feted with the Chapel Fathers, despite the economic crunch in the country, even as he prayed God to replenish their pockets, and equally expressed optimism that the economic situation in the country will change for better.

Dr. Nwankwo also congratulated the fathers who were recognized and awarded at the event, adding that "they are veterans and were deservedly awarded because of their participation in the Father's Fellowship and their contributions to the growth of the church."

On his own part, the Chairman of the planning committee for the 2021 Father's Sunday, Mr. Uche Uwaezuoke appreciated the committee members and all who contributed in one way or the other towards the success of the event, and prayed that next year's Father's Sunday will be greater in than this year's.

Among other highpoints, the well-attended 2021 Father's Sunday at the Chapel featured drama and special renditions by the Fathers' Fellowships, presentation of gifts to women fellowship by the men, as well as presentation of awards to some deserving individuals.

The awardees who were all conferred with 'Veteran of Fathers' Fellowship' award include: Ass. Prof. Benjamin O. Njelita, Flt. Lt. John I.C. Meludu, Sir Kenneth N. Ejeckam, and Chief Alexander N.C. Onubiyi, whose citations all confirmed to be veterans and real men indeed, to the glory of God.