Bishop Obi installs Ven. Iroanusi as pioneer Sub-Dean of Cathedral
By: Ijeoma Sandra, Nnewi.
It was a glorious moment at the Cathedral Church of St Mary’s Anglican Communion, Diocese of Nnewi as Ven Ekenedilichukwu Iroanusi was inducted, installed, and presented as the pioneer Sub-Dean of the Cathedral.
The event officiated by the Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. Revd. Ndubuisi Obi drew dignitaries and Anglican faithful from far and near who filled the church auditorium to the brim.
Some of the dignitaries at the event were Bishops from other Dioceses.
Others were the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the forthcoming Anambra gubernatorial election come November 8, 2025, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu with the party executive members from Nnewi North and South Council Areas and the CEO of Ibeto Group, Chief Cletus Ibeto who was Chairman on the occasion, among others.
Bishop Obi in his speech, told the pioneer Sub-Dean that there were lots of spiritual and physical projects to be executed at the Cathedral that demands great effort.
He charged Ven Iroanusi to restore spirituality and Anglicanism at the Church as part of his mandates in his new assignment. The Bishop described that as a very important Anglican tradition.
He also charged the Sub-Dean to raise the banner of Jesus who he said is the one worshipped and not man.
He urged the new Sub-Dean to be interested in the well-being of members of the church, to give priority to their welfare, saying that the church exists for the welfare of the people.
In his sermon taken from Matthew 27:57, Bishop Obi narrated how Joseph of Aremanthia in his good works prepared his personal tomb while alive, who thereafter went to Pontius Pilate for a permission to bury Jesus in his own tomb.
He interpreted that to mean that the essence of wealth is to use it to serve Jesus. He cited others in the scripture including women who dedicated their time to serve Jesus.
“Mary Magdalene was among the women who followed Jesus during His trial period, to know where He would be buried. She and other women followed Christ to the end. They also announced Christ’s resurrection, “the Bishop added.
He prayed that the new Sub-Dean would not commit blunder at the end of his service like his predecessors, according to him.
Addressing the Church, Prince Ukachukwu reflected on his humble beginnings and the deep inspiration he drew from Chief Ibeto during his formative years.
Expressing gratitude and humility, he narrated how those early motivations, combined with divine grace, shaped his life.
Ikukuoma’s narration and success story served as a source of inspiration, courage and hope to the listeners among the congregation especially the youths.
Prince Ukachukwu surprised the Church as he announced a whooping donation of ₦100,000,000 for the church building project and an additional ₦50,000,000 for the church’s missionary service which attracted thunderous ovation.
The gesture was described by the Church as a testament of his relentless commitment to faith, community development and human upliftment which he has been doing consistently irrespective of political ambition.
Other dignitaries at the event were the YPP candidate for the upcoming by-election in Anambra South Senatorial district, Prince Samben Nwosu; an APC stalwart, Sir Humphrey Nsofor; Chief Innocent Okoli (Organizer) and the Chairman of Nzuko-Ora Nnewi, Prince Jude Osumuoh.
