The second week of February 2024, has come to be marked in the annals of Nigeria’s spiritual history book as one of the number of times Idoma nation has been glorified by God as a mighty torch-bearer for Africa’s most populous nation’s Evangelical stardom. Between Thursday the 8th day of March to Saturday the 10th, spiritually fortified registered and family members of S S Peter & Paul Idoma Catholic Community nation-wide, estimated to be above one million in number and followership, stormed the grounds of St. Vincent Catholic Church Ogobia-Ugboju for their 10th National Congress. They were led by their Jos based fourth National President Dr (Amb) Emmanuel Agbo Owobi (KSJI). The theme of the Congress was “Making Every Effort To Keep The Unity Of Spirit Through The Bond Of Peace In Idoma Land”
Rev. Fr. Sunday Adah Okoh, Parish Priest, St. Vincent Catholic Church Ogobia
A nation-wide convergence of representative members and faithful on the popularly hospitable and quiet community of Ogobia in Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State began on Friday, 8th of February. The week began in Catholic families amidst palpable fears of possible failure of the pilgrimage journey in the face of wide spread national insecurity manifesting in abductions, herdsmen attacks, and armed robberies, all worsened by strangulating hunger across the nation. However, in a demonstration of the resounding spirit of faith in the power of God as the only source of true security, inculcated in the members over the years by their teachers and leaders, the turnout was tumulcious and overwhelming. Discreet enquiries carried out amongst members of the host community and visiting members from all the six geographical regions of the nation proved that most observers of the Congress were hugely surprised at the quantum of attendees. Ogobia Community however rose gallantly to the occasion, determined to host their visitors with abundant hospitality. The first day ended on a triumphant note with a key note address by the National Chaplain, Very Rev. Dr Joseph Ameh Onuh after the welcome address by the Chairman of S S Peter & Paul St, Vincent Parish, Bro Omulagi Odihi Joseph. The National Chaplain, in his welcome address harped on the gratitude of the Church and worshipers to almighty God for His mercies on the people for journey mercies granted to all who had travelled from their various destinations as well as the host community. He prayed for Him to protect the people throughout the event until they get back to their various homes in safety. He implored all to pray for and open their hearts to peace and unity in Idoma land and the world at large.
Dr. Amb. Emmanuel Agbo Owobi (KSJI) National President
The second day, which was the full cream of the event was laddened with spiritually uplifting activities that brought out the famous resilience of the Catholic Church as the mother church of the whole world but even more so in Nigeria and Idoma nation started with an Angelus from as early as 12am after which it was spiritual revolution activities all day long, into, and all through the night. The first theme talk on ” Making Every Effort to Keep The Unity of Spirit Through the Bond of Peace in Idoma Land (Ephesians 4:3) was delivered by Rev Father Odindi with a lot of passion and re-emphasizes on choosing the reward of God’s work in His vine yard. According to him, the alternate options are heaven, if one served Him righteously, or hell, if one failed to offer sacrificial services as Christ did in spite of all the pains involved. The homilies resonated deeply amongst the Religious and pilgrims most of who resolved to replicate the message across. the nooks and crannies of Nigeria where their family members awaited their returns from Ugboju 2023 with bathed breaths.
Very Rev Dr. Joseph Ameh Onu, National Chaplain
Intercessory prayers, drama presentations, Rosary Recitations, climaxed into a Holy Mass which was officiated by the representative of the Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Dr. Michael E. Apochi whose trip to the event was diverted by unavoidable last minute developments. The Chaplain of the Community who held sway for him at the Holly Mass held the mammoth crowd spell-bound for all of the time exhausting adherents of the words of God in the house of the world’s mother Church, the Catholic Church, to continue to hold strongly to truth and unity in Idoma land and anywhere they find themselves in these times of economic hardship and other challenges. He blessed all who came to the Congress and prayed God to bless them and their family members in 2024 and forever.
Rev. Sis. Grace Abakpa, Woman Coordinator
The National President of S S Peter And Paul, Idoma Catholic Community, Dr. Amb Emmanuel Agbo Owobi, considered as the father-figure of all branches of the Community nation-wide addressed the Pilgrims thereafter, expressing his profound gratitude to God for making it possible for the kind of multitude who made it the Congress venue in view of all the challenges that confronts Nigerians. He urged them to strive and continue to stand out as a way of proving that the Idoma nation is gifted with special God-bestowed resilience in the face of all existential difficulties. He thanked all branches of the Community for living up to their financial commitments to the National body which emboldened the National Secretariat to boldly, courageously and transparently live up to their expectations. Among many other land mark efforts achieved by the National Executive body through the supports of the branches, according to him, is the rapid progress made on the construction of the National Secretariat of the Community which decking work has been completed. He prayed to God to safely guide all who attended the Congress back to their families in the various towns they came from.
Pope Francis, Father of the Church on Earth
The Women Coordinator of SS Peter And Paul, Idoma Catholic Community, Rev. Sister Grace Abakpa, in her brief welcome address, advised and urged all women members to continue to join their hands in the building of God-fearing homes and communities anywhere they find themselves, despite all difficulties. National Chairlady, Sister Mary Abakpa, in her advice to all attendees of the Congress thanked them for their courage which resulted in their eventual attendance. She specially urged all women members to be virtuous in all their activities in all aspects of lives in honor of Mother Mary.
A number of awards were given to many branches for outstanding performances in various spiritually uplifting activities. Significantly, Abuja branch came tops in Quoir Ministration, with Jos and Zaria branches coming second and third respectively. Other encouraging awards to other branches were also given out.
Sis. Mary Abakpa, National Chairlady
Amidst jubilations and backslapping for achievements recorded in the past which has placed Idoma nation second only to Igbo people on the list of Nigerian nationalities who carry Christian Evangelism to the nooks and crannies of Nigeria relative to their over-all population, Owukpa district was chosen as the next district to host the Congress in 2027, to the glory of God.
