IKONNE RETURNS TO SPIRITUAL ROOTS, URGES CHRISTIANS TO EMBRACE LOVE, UNITY AND SERVICES
Prince Paul Ikonne has called on Christians to uphold the virtues of love, unity and brotherhood, urging them to extend these values to their daily lives and relationships with one another.
Ikonne made the call on Sunday during a worship service at his home parish, St. Eugene Catholic Parish, Eziukwu, Aba, where he began his Christian journey as an altar boy at the age of eight.
Describing the church as the foundation of his life and values, the Abia South Senatorial hopeful recalled his early years of service in the parish, where he lived in the priests’ residence and assisted the Reverend Fathers.
“I am a product of the church. I started my life in this church as a Mass Servant at the age of eight. I lived in this church and served the Reverend Fathers. The room I lived in for years in the Father’s House while serving the Parish Priest is still there,” he recalled with nostalgia.
He further disclosed that his journey from St. Eugene Parish led him to Amaudara Seminary School, where the moral and spiritual discipline he acquired continued to shape his life.
Ikonne pledged to remain committed to the church and uphold Christian values in both his public service and private life.
“I promise to continue to represent the church and uphold Christian values in all my endeavours, in public service and in private life,” he assured.
He also commended the church for its unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel of Christ and serving as a beacon of hope, love and moral guidance in society.
In his homily, drawn from Matthew 25:1-13, the Parable of the Ten Virgins, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Uchenna Charles Opara-Unegbu, admonished Christians, particularly those occupying positions of authority, to use their positions to make meaningful and positive contributions to the lives of others.
According to the cleric, “Power is transient, fame is fleeting, and wealth will fade away, but only our good works, the legacy we leave behind, and the lives we touch for Christ will speak for us on the last day. As Christians, we must be like the wise virgins, always prepared, always vigilant, and always ready to show love, mercy and service to humanity.”
He urged political and community leaders to embrace servant leadership, following the example of Jesus Christ, who came not to be served but to serve, stressing that genuine leadership should be measured by its impact rather than the title attached to it.
The Parish Priest also commended Prince Ikonne for donating and installing a 12kW solar power system at the Father’s House, as well as his continued support for the growth of the Catholic Church.
He noted that Ikonne’s spiritual roots were firmly connected to St. Eugene Parish, where he served as an altar boy for several years, describing his contributions as an expression of humility and gratitude to God.
The high point of the Holy Mass was a special prayer session conducted by Rev. Fr. Obinna Achilihu, who prayed for God’s guidance, protection and favour upon Prince Ikonne as he pursues his senatorial ambition.
Prince Ikonne was accompanied to the church by old-time friends and former seminary classmates, Mr. Casimir Anukanti and Chief Chris Augustus Opara; the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) candidate for Aba Federal Constituency, Prince Adimchinobi Nwaigwe; his Obingwa counterpart, Hon. Nnamdi Chidiebere Charles; Barr. Obinna Nwabiaraije; and other notable personalities.
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