By Dennis Okechukwu
History was made on Monday, June 15, 2026, as prominent religious, traditional and educational leaders paid a courtesy visit to the country home of Chief, Barr., Dr. Engr. Success Akagburuonye, JP, Akaraugo Mbaise, in preparation for the 25th Silver Jubilee celebration of Mary Summer Juniorate, Okpofe.
The delegation was led by His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Chamberlain Chinedum Ogunedo, JP, alongside members of the Silver Jubilee Anniversary Committee of Mary Summer Juniorate, Okpofe.
Among those in attendance were His Royal Majesty, Eze Reginald J.C. Aguwamba, Ezeoha II of Okpofe; Chief Sir Ernest Chibuzor Enwereuzor, JP, Ogbaturuenyi Mbaise and Chairman of the Diocesan Education Board; Chief Gody Madugba, Secretary of the Education Board; and Rev. Luke Uzoma Edmund, the Diocesan Media Officer.
Earlier, Chief Sir Chibuzor Ernest Enwereuzor, JP, who also serves as Chairman of the Diocesan Education Board as well as the contact person of the committee chaired by Rev. Canon Augustine Nwaekwe, spoke on behalf of the delegation. He formally introduced members of the team and explained the purpose of their visit, which was to invite Chief Akagburuonye to serve as the Special Guest of Honour at the Silver Jubilee celebration scheduled for October 23, 2026.
The event, which marks 25 years of Mary Summer Juniorate’s existence, is expected to bring together dignitaries, alumni, church leaders, community stakeholders and well-wishers to celebrate the institution’s contributions to education, faith formation and community development.
During the visit, His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Ogunedo presented his Synod Presidential Address to Chief Akagburuonye, who received it with appreciation and donated a cash token in support of the church’s activities.
Chief Akagburuonye thanked the bishop and members of the committee for the honour and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting educational and religious initiatives within the diocese and the Mbaise community.
He also appealed to His Lordship to dedicate his chapel, a request that was warmly received.
The visit underscored the strong partnership between the church, traditional institutions and community development advocates in promoting education, spiritual growth and sustainable development in Mbaise.
The Mary Sumner Juniorate Silver Jubilee celebration is expected to be one of the landmark events in the diocese this year, commemorating a quarter-century of academic excellence, moral instruction and dedicated service to humanity.