The Member Representing Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba was among the dignitaries who graced the ordination ceremony of Rev. Fr. Jerry Omlegha Bassey and seven other priests at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Calabar. The event, which took place on Saturday, June 1, 2024, saw the lawmaker extending his heartfelt congratulations to the newly ordained priests amidst a congregation filled with joy and reverence.
In fulfillment of the pledge he made in December 2023, and as part of activities to mark his one year anniversary as member of parliament, Etaba presented a car to one of the ordained priests Rev. Fr. Jeremiah Omlegha Bassey, a constituent and first catholic priest of Yala-Obubra extraction, as a token of appreciation and support for his journey in priesthood. In addition, the lawmaker donated five hundred thousand naira (#500,000) to each of the eight ordained priests and a two million naira to the Archbishop of Calabar.
Handing the car keys to Fr. Bassey immediately after the mass, Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba praised the priest for breaking the jinx, and urged him to be a good ambassador of Christ and the good of Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency. He reiterated commitment to the growth and development of his constituents and wished the eight new priests God’s wisdom, protection and guidance.
Reacting, one of the newly ordained priests, Rev. Fr. Jeremiah Omlegha Bassey expressed his gratitude to Rt. Hon. Etaba for the car gift and financial support, declaring that the gesture has further proven his generous nature, people oriented leadership and commitment to the upliftment of his constituents. He promised to continue to serve God with renewed zeal and passion and to bear the touch of the people Â
On his part, the Archbishop of Calabar, His Grace, Most Rev. Joseph E. Ekuwem commended the lawmaker for the support, noting that as Fr. Bassey and his colleagues embark on their journey as priests, the car gift and financial support would undoubtedly serve as a symbol of encouragement and inspiration to them. Archbishop Ekuwem maintained that his presence and patience at the ordination ceremony did not only highlight his respect for religious institutions but also showcased his commitment to the growth and prosperity of his constituents. He said further that extending support to other ordained priests who are not his direct constituents was symbolic of his generous disposition and commitment to fostering unity and development among the various people in the country. He appealed to the lawmaker to be the chairman of the Diocesan Harvest Thanksgiving of diocese of Calabar, which he agreed.
Other dignitaries present at the event, including the parish priests, family, friends and well wishers of the eight newly ordained priests eulogised the lawmaker for his public display of generosity and camaraderie, praying for greater heights in his career. They also pledged their continued support for both Etaba and the priests’ initiatives.
Peoplesmind
