Man of Order and Discipline Movement, Nigeria (MOD) of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos recently celebrated her founder’s day in a grand style. The annual event tagged ‘Achebe day’ was held penultimate Sunday, 31st January 2021, at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Ikeja, Lagos. The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, His grace, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins in his sermon admonished the youths of the movement to be true soldiers of Christ by adhering to the teachings of Christ without distraction. “Your faith as a Christian must not be compromised no matter how strong and overwhelming the temptation might seem” he said. Later at the parade ground, the Catholic prelate took salute from the Commandant’s squad who, like the paramilitary they are, performed to the admiration of over 2,000 soldiers and guests at the St.Leo’s Catholic school where the reception took place. Prior to Sunday, the celebration kicked off on Saturday 30th January with 13 Zonal Commands competing in both March Past and Football competitions. Apapa emerged first while Isolo and Ipaja came second and third.
Later winnings occurred in the following sequence – Yaba, Satellite, Badagry, Surulere, Ikeja, Agege, Festac, Lekki, Ikorodu and Lusada (Abeokuta Diocese). Welcoming the guests to the event, the Planning Committee Chairman, MOD Lt. Col. Felix Diala, NP solicited for funds for the procurement of additional patrol vans for the movements operations. Some deserving members received awards of solidarity and merit. In his remarks, the Lagos commanding officer (ADMC Chairman) MOD Maj Charles Nwonye, stated that the new Executive shall ensure that discipline and loyalty to the Church remains the organization’s watchword, he called on the members to always be law abiding and dedicated to duty. He warned that COVID-19 rules must not be violated; the use of facemask and constant washing of hands must be made a house hold routine.
Maj. Nwonye however, stressed that it is their duty to assist parishioners understand the need to prevent this deadly virus from spreading. Achebe day is a Founder’s day ceremony of the Man of Order and Discipline Movement, Nigeria (MOD) celebrated yearly and nationwide in honour of her Rev. Father Founder and former Chaplain-General, Late Msgr. Patrick O. Achebe who died in a motor accident while on a missionary assignment on the 25th Jan 1997. The paramilitary marks his memorial and that of other fallen heroes every 25th or last Sunday of January. The Chaplain of the MOD Lagos Archdiocesan Council, Very Rev MSGR Anthony Erinle commissioned over 90 divisions with about 27 stations undergoing training. MOD has three categories of membership, the Regular, Chaplains and Patrons councils. The Regular Council is the central focus of the movement and therefore a youth apostolate of the Catholic Church
