By joshua 
Fathers Day: St Kizito CMO Kuje rewards quiz winners with scholarships, honours 12 parishioners
The Catholic Men Organisation (CMO) of St. Kizito Parish in Kuje Area Council of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has offered scholarships to the two representatives of the overall best zone in the parish out of 14 that participated in the Bible Based Quiz Competition organised as part of the CMO’s activities for this year’s Father’s Day.
The scholarships for the two representatives of Blessed Iwene Tansi zone 2 (the winning zone), James Clement and Anagor Akachukwu, which will cover the period of their secondary education, was announced at the 8.20 Mass on Father’s Day. This was in addition to the Prizes presented to them for coming first in the quiz competition.
Also, eleven CMO members and a female parishioner were honoured with special awards for their contributions towards the CMO Education Support Programme and selfless service to the organisation. The awardees are: Mr. Wilson Adejor, Engr. P. U. Nnadi, Pharm Valentine Okechukwu, Engr. Simeon Isibor, Sir Engr. Kelechi Oguh, Amb. Andrew Echefu (erstwhile CMO President) and Lt. Col. Paul Echere. Others include Sir. John Jekpe, Sir Samuel Onmonya, Sir. Alexander Sule, Mr. Michael Jegede and Esther Ahmadu.
In his sermon at Father’s Day Mass, the officiating priest, Reverend Father John Ogbe, stressed the need for fathers to be celebrated considering the significant role they play in the family, church and society. He acknowledged the pain fathers go through and the sacrifices they make to provide for their families.
While advising fathers to endeavour to remain responsible in their leadership roles, Reverend Father Ogbe urged mothers to encourage them by showing love, offering appreciation, and creating a peaceful home environment.
Delivering his speech at the reception held after the Mass for fathers in the church, President of St Kizito Parish CMO, Mr. Sunday Okwu, said:
“I welcome you all to this auspicious occasion. Today has been set aside to honour fathers, husbands and other male folks entrusted with fatherly responsibilities. Father’s Day provides us the opportunity to recognize the quiet strength, steady guidance and everyday support that fathers and father figures provide.
“The feast of St. Joseph the worker otherwise called Fathers’ Day is celebrated according to the church’s tradition to highlight the dignity of human labour and show that manual labour as practiced by Joseph our Patron Saint is a path to Holiness rather than a political tool.
“Today we are not just cerebrating the roles of fathers as providers and protectors of the home but the indispensable role of fathers as the moral compass of our nation – Nigeria. The theme for this year’s celebration, ‘Civic Engagement of Christian Fathers as Agents of Change for Good Governance’ became necessary in view of the forthcoming general elections in the country.
“A father is the first teacher of justice, integrity and sacrifice. Nigeria’s path to good governance requires these exact virtues. When a father stands for truth in his work place, he fights corruption, and when he participates in the democratic process, he secures the future of his children. Therefore, let us be guided by these social teachings by the church. Good governance is not a spectator sport.
“It requires your presence in the community, town hall meetings, your voice in the policy discussions and your informed vote during the elections. A faithful father is the greatest catalyst for a just society. Following the example of St. Joseph, protect those who have no voice; demand accountability from leaders to ensure that the common good is prioritized over political interests.
“As we celebrate today, have the conviction that your civic engagement is a form of worship, offering your talents for a better Nigeria. In our Parish, let’s strive to be better fathers through our actions, responsibilities and friendship. Fathers build not divide, they instil discipline not encourage rudeness, they appreciate not devalue. Where do you belong as a father?
“May St. Joseph intercede for us as we lead our families and nation towards a brighter and more equitable dawn.”