From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
The pains of building a befitting Anglican Church at Nnewi town, in Anambra state by the diocese of Nnewi, Anglican Communion has been defeated, as Pharmacist Sir Chris Atuegwu, the Chairman Board of trustees, Bina Foundation and members of his family has successfully bequeathed one to the diocese. It is known as Church of the Holy Spirit, Otolo Nnewi.
Speaking to newsmen, the sponsor of the project Sir Chris Atuegwu said it was part of his life ambition in serving God for his mercies and favour in life stating that the building and completion of the edifice was a miracle. He revealed that he has less than ten million naira when he started the project but he ended up spending up to two hundred million naira in completing and furnishing the church with interior decorations.
According to him, Almighty God touched him when he found out that there was no reputable Anglican Church building at Nnewi town axis, therefore he took up the challenge. He said he is happy to have seen its dedication.
He extolled members of the clergy for their commitment in seeing to the completion of the project and sir Rob Awatu for donating a 30KVA generator powering the church.
Answering questions on reason for his philanthropy every Christmas period, Sir Atuegwu said he was born on December 25 but celebrating it on Christmas day will be as if he will be distracting the attention of people from celebrating Christ on December 25 therefore he decided and developed a culture of parting Christmas gifts on every 24th December to the poor and needy for them to stay back in their respective houses, to cook and eat with their family members and children.
Sir Atuegwu, who is also the Managing Director of Michelle Laboratories Enugu, an indigenous drug manufacturing firm, disclosed that his passion for humanity is the reason behind his succour to the physically challenged people managed by his wife, Lady Ifeoma Atuegwu under her Non-governmental organisation, ‘Bina Foundation’ located at Thinkers Corner axis of Enugu metropolis.
The Church which was dedicated to God on Friday, January 3rd by the Bishop of Nnewi diocese, Rt Revd Ndubuisi Chukwuka Obi was witnessed by the Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical province and Bishop of Enugu diocese, Anglican Communion, His Grace, Most Revd Emmanuel Olisa Chukwuma, was also attended by many priests of the Anglican faith.
The minister of Labour, productivity and employment, Senator Chris Ngige, even though a Catholic, identified with the Atuegwu family on the day of the dedication for their selfless service to humanity.
Other personalities include a former deputy governor of Anambra state, Same Virgy Etiaba, Barr Emeka Etiaba, Sir Rob Awatu, former ECCIMA president and owner of Roban stores, Chief Lolo Ezeofor, among others.
The dedication featured special renditions by the choir and Bina Foundation band, comprising of both blind singers and instrumentalists.
