Umuahia, Abia State| September 7, 2026 —
The Chief Whip of the Abia State House of Assembly and Member representing Umuahia South State Constituency, Hon. Emeka Tommy Obioma, has joined the congregation and faithful of St. John’s Anglican Church, Itaja/Amuzu in Olokoro, Umuahia South Local Government Area, to commemorate the church’s historic 100th Centenary Anniversary.
The celebration, which was commemorated with a thanksgiving service and the foundation-laying ceremony for a new church hall, attracted prominent political leaders, government functionaries, traditional and community stakeholders, as well as members of the Anglican Communion from within and beyond the community.
Obioma, in his goodwill message, congratulated the church, its leadership and members for attaining the remarkable milestone, describing 100 years of Christian witness as a significant testament to the enduring grace of God, steadfast faith and the commitment of successive generations of worshippers.
He acknowledged the role the church has played over the years in advancing the Christian faith, nurturing families, promoting moral values and contributing to the spiritual and social development of the community.
The lawmaker further pledged his continued support for the work of God, assuring the church of his readiness to contribute meaningfully to initiatives that would strengthen its ministry and improve the welfare of the congregation.
According to him, the centenary anniversary was not merely a celebration of the past, but also an opportunity to reflect on the church’s accomplishments while looking ahead to a new chapter of greater impact and spiritual growth.
Obioma commended the leadership of St. John’s Anglican Church for combining the centenary celebration with the foundation-laying ceremony for a new church hall, noting that the project represented a forward-looking investment that would serve the congregation and generations yet unborn.
He urged the members of the church to remain united, steadfast in faith and committed to the principles of love, service, humility and righteousness, stressing that the strength of any Christian institution lies not only in its physical structures but also in the spiritual character and collective commitment of its members.
The well-attended service was officiated by the Lord Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev’d Geoffrey Obijuru Ibeabuchi, who led the congregation in thanksgiving and prayers as the church marked a century of existence.
The presence of the Bishop and other distinguished personalities further added colour and significance to the historic occasion, which provided an opportunity for the congregation to celebrate God’s faithfulness while dedicating the next phase of the church’s journey to His service.
Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion was the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, who was ably represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu.
Also present were Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha, Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives; Rt. Hon. Augustine Okezie Nmeregini, Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly; Hon. Emeka Tommy Obioma, Chief Whip of the Abia State House of Assembly and Member representing Umuahia South State Constituency; Hon. Comrade Enwereuzo, Mayor of Umuahia South Local Government Area; and Barr. Enyinnaya Nwosu, Deputy Mayor of Umuahia South.
Other dignitaries included Sir Ken Nwosu, Chief Security Officer to the Governor; Chief Grant Atumah, Director-General of Olokoro For Otti (OFO), alongside several government functionaries, political leaders, community leaders and other distinguished guests.
The centenary celebration was consequently described as a moment of thanksgiving, reflection and renewed commitment, as St. John’s Anglican Church, Itaja/Amuzu, looked beyond its first 100 years towards a future of deeper faith, greater service and sustained impact in the community.
For Obioma, the occasion offered another opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to supporting institutions and initiatives that promote the spiritual, social and overall development of the people of Umuahia South, while encouraging the church to continue serving as a beacon of faith, hope and unity.