By: JohnPaul Ibe
The Knights of St. John International (KSJI) has inaugurated St. Celestine Commandery 1055 at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), following approval by the Supreme Commandery, USA, obtained during the tenure of Major General Prof. Remy Uche, then Supreme Subordinate/National President, KSJI Nigeria.
The historic inauguration, held on Tuesday, January 13, at the KSJI Owerri Grand Commandery Hall, began with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Rev. Fr. Kizito Onyeka, who urged members to live exemplary Catholic lives and dedicate their time, talent, and treasure to God’s service.
The Commandery, named in rare honor of the late Major General (Noble) Prof. Celestine Onwuliri, former Vice Chancellor of FUTO and former Supreme Subordinate/National President of KSJI Nigeria, shows the highest appreciation KSJI can accord a member that had served and served with distinction. Prof. Celestine Onwuliri was the founder of the KSJI FUTO Family that evolved into a Commandery. He was renowned for humility, discipline, charity, and Christian leadership and died in the Dana Air crash of June 3, 2012.
The inauguration and presentation of the Charter Certificate were conducted by the Owerri Grand President, Brig. Gen. (Noble) Anthony Ogu, who announced Rev. Fr. Cosmas Uzoigwe as Spiritual Adviser, Bro. Henry Haco Chinedu Obasi was appointed Charter/Pioneer Worthy President, and he charged the officers and members to advance the mission of the Order.
Noble Lady Prof. Viola Onwuliri, widow of the late Major General Prof. Onwuliri, was present at the event and expressed joy and the family’s appreciation of the unique honor and of his life devoted to God and service. She profusely thanked the KSJI Supreme President in the US, General De Luca, and past SSP Nigeria Major Gen Remy Uche for finding her husband worthy of this great and uncommon recognition.
It is also to be noted that the Nigerian Noble Temple also presented a posthumous award in honor of Noble Sir Celestine Onwuliri to Noble Lady V. Onwuliri.
Several dignitaries and Grand Commandery officers attended the ceremony, including the Owerri Grand Respected President, Noble Lady Cecilia Emecheta; the immediate past Owerri Grand President, Brig. Gen. Moses Ajeka and Noble Col. Chris Ibe, representative of the former Nigerian Noble Temple.
