7th April 2025
On a day painted with divine beauty and glowing with joy, the Queen of Peace Chapel at the Catholic Institute for Development Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), Enugu, became a sacred ground of thanksgiving as the entire executive, management, staff, and friends of CIDJAP gathered in one spirit to celebrate a man whose life has illuminated many paths—Msgr. Prof. Obiora Francis Ike, the Founding Director of CIDJAP, as he marked his 69th birthday.
The celebration began with the Holy Mass, solemn yet jubilant, presided over by the celebrant himself, Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike. The Mass was not just a liturgical rite, but a spiritual encounter wrapped in reflection, history, and divine purpose. In a show of friendship and providential bond, Dr. Obi Ozor, the Honorable Commissioner for Transport, Enugu State—Msgr.'s birthday mate and namesake—was present with his beloved wife. Together, they proclaimed the Word of God as they took the first and second readings respectively, their voices echoing through the chapel with grace and warmth.
The homily given by Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike was the soul of the celebration. With a tender voice and deep emotion, he shared a heart-touching story of the events that surrounded his birth—an origin steeped in divine providence, resilience, and faith. He spoke of moments marked by hope and hardship, reminding all present that behind every great story lies a chapter of pain, perseverance, and purpose. With his trademark wisdom, he left the congregation with three enduring take-home messages: "Know your history, discover your purpose, and live by it."
In a deeply moving moment, Dr. Obi Ozor was invited to share his own story. With humility and admiration, he recounted the events surrounding his own birth, drawing powerful parallels to Msgr. Ike's life journey. "I have always admired the works of Msgr. Obiora Ike," he said with conviction, "and I am delighted not just to share his name, but to be born on the same day of the month as this great man." He encouraged all present to embrace discomfort, for in his words, "Success often lies on the other side of uncomfortable situations."
As the Mass progressed, Rev. Fr. Paul Chidiebere Ani, in a moment full of sacred warmth, blessed both birthday celebrants, calling down God's graces upon their lives. In a beautiful gesture of affection and mutual respect, Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike presented a birthday gift to the Commissioner, solidifying a bond that is as spiritual as it is personal.
Just before the final blessing, Fr. Paul Chidiebere led the congregation—directors, staff, and friends of CIDJAP—in a heartwarming rendition of birthday wishes to Msgr. Obiora Ike. The atmosphere swelled with emotion, gratitude, and love. The chapel, filled with prayers and good wishes, was transformed into a sanctuary of celebration and sacred fellowship.
In his final blessing, Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike raised his hands over the gathered faithful, his voice firm and tender, blessing not just the day, but the lives of everyone who had come to celebrate with him. As the Mass ended, the joy in the chapel was not just that of a birthday—it was the joy of a life well-lived, a legacy well-formed, and a future embraced with hope.
Indeed, the 69th birthday of Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike was not merely a celebration of age, but a celebration of purpose, service and faith. A testimony that when one walks with God and lives for others, their life becomes a blessing to all.
