The drums were rolled out, last Sunday at Christ the King Catholic Church, Akowonjoo, Lagos, for the 60th birthday celebration of one of the parishioners, and philanthropist, Ichie (Sir) Chukwudi Joachim Amamgbo KSJI The glitz and glamour that pervaded the atmosphere in the Church premises was infectious, as parishioners, young and old, as well as friends and well wishers, amid pomp and celebration, showered encomiums on the celebrant. Rev. Fr. Ignatius Okoligwe , Parish Priest, Christ the King Catholic Church, Akowonjoo, Lagos had nothing but good words to describe Sir Amamgbo, as he recounted the celebrant’s unrelenting efforts, to see that the Church was built and dedicated. He said: “Brothers and sisters, if you know how sweet it is to ask for money, I can permit you every Sunday to be doing it. There are times you will talk, and everybody will just be looking at you.
You will be asking yourself, ‘Did I dress well? But he (Amamgbo) didn’t mind. He was very, very steadfast. He was running errands to make sure that this beautiful Church was dedicated. I don’t need to wait until the time of funeral to say this. Let me say it to your hearing that despite where God has placed you, you live a life of humility, you are accessible, and you also contribute, not just saying others go, let me come behind. “I remember when we were sourcing for the doors; we were jumping from one carpentry workshop to the other, until we were able to get what we have here. And when it was very difficult for the Church, you brought your money, and after the dedication, we owed you over three million by calculation, and you said Father, let it just go like that. “So, on this day of your birthday, I am standing in the name of the Church and on behalf of all the parishioners here to ask God to bless you.
Yesterday, we read about the parable of the talents, I think you are one of those given five, and you returned more, and then, the ones that didn’t use theirs well was given to you. So, may God continue to bless you, favour you, and grant you good health. You are existing for many people. I saw the expression of the widows, and I know that all the other charity organizations you made to share your birthday with them are very, very happy. Each and every one of us here; we have one thing or the other to say about your life. We are not just thanking you, but we are thanking God, who made you who you are. So may that God be glorified in the name of Jesus.” Expressing joy and happiness on attaining the diamond age, the celebrant said: “I feel great, I feel fulfilled .Am filled with grace of God. That’s why you see me dancing around because it has been a land-mark age I have been looking forward to because from now, I have become a senior citizen, and God knows I prayed for long life.
When I did my 50th birthday, I looked forward to 60, now am looking forward to 70. And I pray to God, to grant me good health of mind and body that will enable me go through the next decade. I am praying also that everybody that has come here will go back, better off than they have come, this and more I pray through Christ our lord. Amen”. Speaking on his new age, he said: “I pray that all those that are in this age bracket will continue to bless God because I keep on saying that even the day I was born, some people died in the labour room, but God has made it possible for me to stay this long. So, it’s all God’s grace, and I thank God for it. And am sure any person attaining that age should also be grateful to God. It’s not easy. Three scores! On the cordial relationship he has with his priests and fellow parishioners, and awards given to him in the Church, he said: “Yes, you know since 1994, when I came out in this parish, I have never gone back. I have gone from one chairmanship to the other one, from one relationship to the other.
And this edifice, when I was made the chairman of the building committee, I didn’t know something like this will come out. But by God’s grace, from 2010, till we dedicated it 2019, everything went smoothly, and I give God all the glory. And I was the chief beggar in this Church. Like Father said, every Sunday, I will come out to beg for money for the building of this very Church. So, with that most people knew me, most people appreciated my efforts, and that is where we are today. The colourful event, kickedoff with the celebrant visiting and presenting food stuff, provisions, as well as cash gifts to the Home for the Elderly, Mushin, Missionaries of Charity Contemplative, MCC, Ketu, Little Saints Orphanage, Shasha, Compassionate Orphanage, Idimu, Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted, Surulere, St. Monica Orphanage, Iju-Ishaga, and widows. Sir Amamgbo was presented with an award in recognition and appreciation of his contribution towards the growth of the Parish.
