Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Assistant General Manager (AGM), Media, Protocol and Event Planning, Lady (Dr.) Barbara Ejemeh Nchey-Achukwu and her husband, Sir (Dr.) Gabriel Nchey Achukwu have been decorated with the Order of Knight of Good Shepherd (KGS) by the Bishop of Niger Delta North, Church of Nigeria (Global Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. Wisdom Budu Ihunwo.
They were among no fewer than 60 others that were honoured and decorated as Knight and Lady, KGS; Knight of Saint Christopher (KSC); and the Knight of Saint Mary (KSM) at the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul, Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State recently.
The investiture of the knights was part of the activities marking the 30th anniversary of the creation of the Diocese of Niger Delta North.
Apart from Anglican Church faithful in Nigeria and overseas, the investiture also attracted prominent people from all walks of life across Nigeria.
Speaking while decorating the new knights and their noble ladies, Rt. Rev. Ihunwo stated that no fewer than 61 knights including those in diaspora are people with proven character, service to God and humanity.
The cleric averred that they merited the 2026 knighthood investiture together with their ladies.
While tasking them on the roles and responsibilities that go with their new status, the cleric called on the new knights to remember that the best thing to think of whenever they remember themselves as a knight is: “What is my work or duty as a lay member of the Church of God, especially to the Anglican Church?”
The Bishop congratulated and wished all the recipients many more years of meritorious service to God and humanity.
The Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Abia State, Rt. Rev. Godfrey Ibeabuchi in his sermon, congratulated all those that were decorated knights of the Anglican Communion.
According to him, they were carefully selected because their character reflected Jesus Christ. Their knighthood is also a call to higher office in service of God and humanity.
Sir Dr. Gabriel Nchey Achukwu in an interview on the sideline of the investiture said: “I feel unworthy of any earthly honour by the church and was not expecting any. My only expectation is to run a victorious race and to receive that promised crown of victory by our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. What can I possibly contribute to attract this huge recognition? As far as I am concern, it is a call for higher responsibilities in the Lord’s vineyard and society.”
He expressed belief that God will lead him through the right path just as he described Bishop Ihunwo as a committed man of God who is fulfilling the mandate of God in the Diocese under his episcopacy.
He enjoined fellow knights and ladies, old and new to know they are the light of Christ shining brightly into the deep darkness of this world.
Said he: “Let the glory of Jesus Christ manifest in you and through you to the unbelievers.”
On her path, the NPA AGM said she and her husband felt so honoured and blessed for the recognition.
She expressed appreciation to God Almighty who through the church and the Bishop have blessed her family just as she pointed out that the knighthood has taught her that whatever you do in life, some people are watching.
According to her, your godly services towards God and mankind will surely be rewarded one day.
She thanked the Bishop for the honour done to her and her husband even as she expressed appreciation to the management of NPA for the opportunities, privileges, exposures, welfare, trainings among others from which she has benefited over the years.
The Managing Director, NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho also received her commendation for his support.
Maritime Bits checks reveals that while Dantsoho was the Port Manager, Onne Port Complex, Rivers State, Ejemeh Nchey-Achukwu was the spokesperson of the complex.
She also acknowledged the support of NPA, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemekara (KSC) as well as her other colleagues.
