By our correspondent
History was made at the weekend when the Supreme Grand Knight ( SK) of the Knights of St. Mulumba inaugurated the youth arm of the Abuja Sub- Council of the honoured Order of the Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM) in grand style.
The event began with a concelebrated Mass led by Rev. Fr. (Prof) Moses Orhungur , the Abuja Metro Chaplain of the KSM.
It would be recalled that the Abuja Sub Council of the Order is the mother Council of the KSM in Abuja , being the first Council to be inaugurated in 1990 and has given birth to 14 sub Councils in the Federal Capital Territory ( FCT) to date.
The inauguration of the first Youths of St. Mulumba (YSM ) in the Abuja Metropolitan Council ( Archdiocese) of Abuja makes it another trail blazing record in the Metro and is coming only after such a feat by Calabar and Lagos Metropolitan Councils in Nigeria.
The inauguration of the YSM is in fulfilment of the vision of the Founder of the KSM , priest and Monk Rev. Fr. Abraham Anselm Isaghome Ojefua before his death in 1988 that there should be the youth arm of the Order.
Accordingly, the Calabar and Lagos Metropolitan Councils have pioneer the inauguration of the YSM in Nigeria, followed by the Abuja Metro Council led by the Abuja Sub- Council.
Administering the oath of Membership of the YSM on the 38 successfully screened youths at the ceremony held at the Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro- Cathedral, Area 3 Garki Abuja , the Worthy Supreme Knight ( SK) Sir. Diamond Ovuaraye reminded the youths that their admission to the Order now places an onerous task on their behaviours and conducts and urged them to remain spotless and be shining examples to other youths around to emulate.
The Worthy SK represented by the Worthy Deputy Supreme Knight ( DSK ) Sir. Dr. Charles Mbelede charged the Youths further : “ As Youths of St. Mulumba your honour and integrity is at stake. You have to measure it because your actions and inaction are now to be monitored. You are a light that has been lit for others to look at. You have to be very careful. I’m happy to note that two of your members before this inauguration have gotten wedded in the Church. You are boys and girls if integrity. Please don’t get pregnant out of wedlock. The YSM is not a place for you to come and befriend yourselves and disgrace the Order.”
He posited that with the take- off the YSM, the KSM can now sleep well because of the assurance of vibrant successors .
Speaking on the occasion, the Worthy Metro Grand Knight ( MGK) Abuja Metro, Sir Michael Mtomga Aule expressed happiness that the inauguration of the YSM was happening during his tenure . He assured the Supreme Knight that very shortly he will be back in Abuja again for the inauguration of another Sub Council’s chapter of the YSM.
The Deputy Metro Grand Knight , Sir ( Dr ) Frank Odafen under whose tenure as the Worthy Grand Knight of the Abuja Sub – Council, the idea was given vibe to thanked God that after 5 years what was like a tall dream has become a reality.
“ It is gratifying to note that what we dreamt about five years ago has found fulfillment today with this inauguration. We must commend the current Worthy Deputy Grand Knight ( DGK) of the Abuja Sub- Council, Sir Martin Dibang Achua for his untiring and committed efforts in seeing that this vision has seen the light of the day today. With this inauguration KSM in Abuja SubCouncil is now standing on a tripod. Namely: the Knights; Ladies and now the Youths. We are now complete,” Sir Odafen added.
He also mentioned for acknowledgement the pioneering efforts of the Abuja Metro Grand Knights such as Sir Ignatius Adaji, Sir Clement Uganden; Lady Rebecca Uganden and Lady Naomi Agbali.
The current Worthy Grand Knight of the Abuja Council , Sir David Igbazua Kpue ,expressing joy and fulfillment following the inauguration assured the youths of continuous mentoring and guidance to nuture them to maturity.
He equally in a fit of happiness announced a waiver of membership fee and dues payment for one year for the two youth members who are now qualify to upgrade to the KSM by virtue of their marriage status and attainment of the ripe age for enlistment into the KSM.
“The Executive of the Abuja Council has approved automatic membership of two of the YSM to be enlisted into the KSM . Their Dues for one year is going to be borne by the Exco. This is to reward them for their leadership and mobilization role in the formation of the YSM”, Kpue said.
The two lucky youths are Brothers Chinonso Mbagaha and Ejike Cajetan.
The Deputy Grand Knight of the Abuja Sub – Council who spearheaded the formation of the YSM, Sir Martin Dibang Achua expressed appreciation to the Supreme Council , the Metropolitan Council and the Abuja Sub- Council Exco for making their work come to fruition with the inauguration.He however appealed to Brothers and Sisters to continuously monitor and mentor the young lads to grow in the Catholic faith and the KSM Order.
Some of the inaugurated YSM members expressed appreciation for the honour done them in the inauguration and expressed readiness to abide with the code of conduct of their Catholic Church and the KSM .
According to the coordinator of the YSM, Bro. Nwaegbu Ebube “I’m so excited and grateful to God for for having this day come through and honour done us because we have laboured painstakingly for this Day. By the grace of God we have all pledged our 3 TS and there’s no looking back.”
On his part, Bro. Ejike Cajetan said “I feel privileged because it is rare opportunity. We than the SK who spoke to us through the DSK today . He told us exactly what we expected to hear. We will try by the grace of God to be the light for others to see.”
Also, sister Obieke Stella Maris said “I feel very excited to belong to this honored Order. I will try my best to be committed and live up to expectation.”
In her speech, Sister Agber Phina said “I am very much excited because I have looked forward to this very day and opportunity . I’m thankful and grateful.”
“Today is good day. We have been working for this day for a long time .we thank God it’s finally here. Congratulations to all of us”, she added.
