A Church’s Heritage: Honoring the Hands that Built -By Henry Onyedika Adibe

To The glory of God, our Lady of Assumption Cathedral Okwuana Nnewi was dedicated yesterday, 14 January, 2026. The building of our Lady of Assumption Cathedral Okwuana Nnewi started in the 80s. Personally, I don’t know the exact date. However, by the time I became conscious of my environment, that Church was already standing, though not completed.

In 1994, I received my first holy communion in that Church. I think it was then called Mary The Queen Outstation. Later, it became Our Lady of Assumption Parish. When Nnewi was created a Region in Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, it was the same Church that was designated as the regional parish. Infact, I grew up knowing that the Church was called Central Church. It is vital to put on record that the Church was not complete at that time. For example, it was not painted, lacked good pews and had rough floors.

Interestingly, I think the issue that perhaps led to all these trending issues about the Cathedral is our inability to utilise the right words sometimes. Choice of words matters. What was embarked on by the then Bishop was a reconstruction of Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral Okwuana Nnewi. It was clearly stated at that time.

However, with time, narratives started changing from one source to another. What was known as reconstruction grew to be described as “built from scratch”. I think, to use such description as “built from scratch” is against history, a great disservice to the founding members of the Church and a total disrespect to the sensibilities of those who knew how the Church started.

Personally, I am of the view that everyone who contributed in anyway or another in building the Church from inception till date deserves a note of gratitude and a book of records published in their honour. This will help to preserve history and encourage others in the journey of faith.

For me, the real accolades should be bestowed to the faithfuls that initated such ambitious central Church. I am particularly concerned about the poor faithfuls who contributed their widow’s mite from inception of the building in the 80s. On a certain occasion, my classmate at Immaculata Nursery and Primary School Okwuana Nnewi was flogged by our teacher for not paying a certain dues on time. As a friend, I approached him during break to inquire why he hasn’t paid. He told me that his parents used the money to pay for some Church levies for the building of our Church with a promise that he would receive the fees when they get next month salaries. Both of us attended the same school, parish and live close to each other. I remember a senior friend who told me how his mother sold some of her wrappers to raise money she would contribute for the building of central Church Okwuana Nnewi.

I recall the tireless efforts of Hon. E. S. Iwudoh and Sir Charity Okereke of Okereke Charity Press Nnewi fame. And many others. These were the early dewdriers who in my own estimation deserve unique mention. I believe the brochure for the dedication should capture gratitude to this set of faithfuls. If it was not captured, I think it is proper that historical records such as giving due gratitude should be accorded to all who contributed their time, funds, selfless efforts, prayers and supports. In the presence of God, each and everyone of us is equal.

Let us honor the hands that laid the foundation, the hearts that contributed, and the faith that built Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral Okwuana Nnewi. May their sacrifices inspire us, their legacy endure, and their names be written in the book of life.