The atmosphere in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church (OLPH), Victoria Island, Lagos and its environs was enveloped in festivity last Sunday, when the Catholic Women Organisation Nigeria (CWON) of the parish celebrated its 2025 Mothers’ Day/Cultural festival in grand style. The event which began with Mass, celebrated by the Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, the Parish Priest, saw the women, supported by the men, youths and children clad in colourful cultural attires, showcasing the rich heritage, lifestyle and delicacies of the different geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
During Mass, Fr. Godonu celebrated the women in a special way, as he prayed and blessed them, particularly the grandmothers and great grandmothers He commended the women for exhibiting the various cultures of the country, tasking them not to give up in the face of adversity, but continue to emulate Mother Mary in all they do. Mr. Emeka Okafor, Chairman of the day, extolled the women for their God given talents and qualities through which they shape lives of people within their community and the world at large. He noted that women are recognised for the unwavering support, strength, skills, wisdom among other things they contribute to build a better society.
For Lady Ifeoma Okocha-Ojeah, the President, she expressed joy at the beauty of cultures, the joy of sisterhood, and the grace of God in celebrating the heritage and divine spark within each of the daughters of God. According to her, “Each of us has brought a piece of God’s creation, our unique cultural expression, to this gathering. We’re here to lift each other up, to learn from each other, and to remind ourselves that we are stronger together.” She noted that mothers are the foundation of the family, as they mirror the strength of the Lord.
“We nourish with our hands, protect with our hearts, and guide with our wisdom, inspired by the Holy Spirit. We pass on our traditions, our values, our love, our faith. We are the storytellers, the healers, the anchors of our communities”, she quipped. Those in attendance at the event include, Rev. Fr. Joseph Odozi, the Assistant Parish Priest; Dame Victoria Akran, Member BoT, CWON; Lady Catherine Alabi, President, Catholic Women Organisation of Nigeria, Lagos Archdiocese. Also in attendance were the Grand Patrons and Patronesses, including Chief Mike & Mrs. Mary-Assumpta Inegbese, General Philip & Mrs. Shola Onyekweli, Prince Ike & Mrs. Chinwe Iloghalu, Pioneer President, CWON OLPHVI and, Princess Adesuwa Aluyi, immediate past President, CWON OLPHVI The Special Guests of Honour, Mr.& Mrs. Southey-Effiong, Sir Emeka & Lady Chidinma Okolo (Knight and Lady of St. Mulumba), Mr. Eyado & Mrs. Ada Ocho also graced the occasion.
The day also saw the recognition of people who serve in the Church, including young choristers, catechists, sacristans and other Liturgical functionaries. Dame Akran, Lady Alabi among others were presented awards of Radiant Mothers. Some of the men were also presented with the Pearl Fathers award. This year’s Mothers’ Day celebration had as its theme, “A hopeful woman walks and works”.
