COMMISSIONER FOR INFORMATION INVESTED AS KNIGHT OF ANGLICAN COMMUNION
The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Ukwa Diocese has invested the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, into the Order of the Knighthood of the St Christopher (KSC), in recognition of his selfless services to God and humanity.
In a goodwill message to identify with Sir Prince Okey Kanu in the event that took place on Saturday, at St Peter’s Church Anglican Church, Obohia-Ndoki in Ukwa East Local Government Area, venue of the investiture, the state Governor, Dr. Alex Otti described the investiture as a well-deserved recognition and congratulated Sir Prince Kanu on the event, adding that it is a testimony to his exemplary life of service.
“Your enlistment is a source of pride not only to your family and the Anglican Communion but also to our administration and the entire people of Abia State.
“This special recognition not only underscores your unwavering faith and deep-rooted commitment to the body of Christ but also bears testimony to your exemplary life of service, integrity and devotion to godly values in both your personal and public life, ” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor, urged Prince Kanu to continue upholding the virtues of humility, truth and sacrifice which the Knighthood of St Christopher represents.
He further prayed that, the grace of God continues to guide him in all his endeavours as he serves Him and Abia state with greater zeal and spiritual wisdom.
Speaking also, the Mayor of Ukwa East LGA, Hon. Chibuna Akara, described Sir Prince Kanu as an illustrious son of Ndoki land whose recognition reflects faith, service, and leadership both within the church and the community and thanked the Anglican Church for finding him worthy of the noble honour.
In his sermon earlier , the Bishop of Ukwa Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt Rev’d Manasses Okere, charged the honourees to see the knighthood not as a title, but as a call to deeper commitment to the Christian faith, service to humanity and the church.
Rt. Rev’d Okere enjoined them to live lives of integrity, compassion, moral uprightness, and reminded them that their elevation came with great spiritual responsibility.
He added that they have been called, not just to wear regalia, but to wear Christ in their actions, words, and devotion to truth and service.
He further urged them not to bring shame to the house of God.
In an interview after his investiture, Sir Prince Okey Kanu, who revealed that he had initially turned down a nomination to be knighted 23 years ago, described the honour as a personal and spiritual call to higher duty and expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve Him and humanity.
While noting that, his service to God and humanity predates the knighthood investiture, Sir Kanu said that the knighthood simply formalises a life of faith, moral responsibility, and commitment to serving God and humanity with renewed zeal and devotion.
“This is a call to higher duty. I don’t think it’s a challenge, i’ve always been serving God and serving humanity. You can say it is an added task.
“It is a position that makes it possible for you to get closer to God, to serve him some more. That’s basically what it is. Forget the glamour of uniform and the sword. It’s all about service, to serve God and humanity.
“I am truly humbled by this spiritual responsibility. It is not just an honour, but a call to live even more faithfully, both in my service to the State and to God.
“I feel fulfilled, and I feel grateful to God that I have this opportunity to serve Him more in this new position as a Knight”, Sir Kanu stated.
The ceremony, which was superinteded over by His Lordship, Bishop of Ukwa Diocese, the Rt. Rev’d Manasses Okere, also featured the investiture of knights and Ladies into the Orders of St Christopher(KSC), St Mary, the Mother of Jesus(KSM), as well as the the ordination of Priests, Deacons, and the licensing of 69 Lay Readers and attracted many dignitaries from all walks of life.
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GOVERNMENT HOUSE, UMUAHIA.