From Ifeoma Ejiofor
It was multiple celebrations for the family of Sir (Dr) Goodluck Etom Obi as he celebrated his birthday and the dedication of a magnificent church he built for God. Including the Sword turning of the Mercy Ulasi Memorial Health Centre and Hope Obi vocational school at Unuanuka Otolo-Nnewi, Anambra State.
In his welcome address, the astute businessman said he is truly honoured and grateful to God, who made the Episcopal event possible.
He particularly appreciated the Bishop of Nnewi Anglican Communion, Rt Revd Ndubuisi Obi, and other Bishops and Reverends who graced the occasion.
Sir Obi, in a special way, thanked HRH, Igwe Dr. Kenneth Orizu 111, HRH Igwe(Sir) Benneth Emeka Okebo 11 of Umuleri, and other royalties in attendance.
“I welcome you all to the dedication of our Saviour’s Anglican Church Unuanuka Otolo-Nnewi and the sword turning of the Mercy Ulasi Memorial Health Centre and Hope Obi Vocational School. This event is a high point of the history of this village. It marks a history of faith, dedication, and above all, obedience to God.
“It is exciting to know that when God gave us this mandate to build a place of worship for him, he graciously provided the land which we acquired, and God helped us to build from start to finish and also do total furnishing of the church. We are indeed grateful for his great provisions and Providence” he said.
Sir Obi said he was excited to see the completed structure, which he noted gave him a feeling of love and satisfaction.
The renowned businessman expressed his preparedness to continue to be of use to God and to always be a means by which someone somewhere would have occasion to thank God and smile.
He recalled that his finances witnessed a low turn at certain point in his life but with a grateful heart appreciate God for stepping in and got him restored.
In his sermon, the Bishop of Nnewi Anglican Communion, Rt Revd Ndubuisi Obi, commended the Lagos and Abuja-based businessman for building a magnificent church for God.
Bishop Obi who took his texts from 2Kings 8: 22 and Ephesians 2 urged the persons in attendance to borrow a leaf from the businessman philanthropist who has put in so much into the service of God and humanity.
Bishop Obi said he got to know the businessman in 2019 when he became the diocese Bishop and saw his passion for the service of God wasted no time in commissioning him as a missionary evangelist of the diocese.
In his comment, Archbishop emeritus Prof Godwin Okpala said that he has known the celebrant for many years and that the milk of human kindness flowing in his vein marks him out.
He said that it was that discovery that made him nominate him for a knight in the order of St Christopher.
The philanthropist later treated his guests to a sumptuous reception.
Clergy across the country witnessed the event, including people in business, industrialists, and top-flight politicians who all commended Sir (Dr) and Lady Goodluck Etom Obi for his uncommon philanthropic gestures.