In recognition of distinguished service to humanity, faith and work, the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Umuahia, on Saturday November 16, ordained an International Fund for Agricultural Development, (IFAD), staff, Chief Kelechi Onyemachi as an Elder of the Church, The Faithful of God, TFG.
Most Rev. (Dr), Chibuzo R. Opoko, Archbishop of Umuahia, who presented the award, thanked the recipients for their outstanding dedication to God and church, encouraging them to continue to exhibit service in all their endeavours.
Elder Onyemachi who is the Abia State Procurement Officer of Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises, Niger Delta, LIFE-ND, was among the 45 inductees honoured at the ordination service.
Onyemachi, who served the church in many capacities, equally promised to devote more time and resources in honour of the holy ordination.
The Minister in Charge of Wesley Cathedral, Very Reverend Aaron Akabuokwu, in his sermon, enjoined the inductees to employ their God-given talents, time and resources to promote God's work in their various communities and church, noting that the award was not earthly, but of holy ordinance.
He also identified spirituality, character and service as three basic elements required of their current responsibility, which would need more zeal and commitment to God, for holy celestial attainments, adding that "to whom much is given, much is required."
Testifying about Elder Onyemachi's character, his younger brother, Mr Nwabueze Onyemachi described him as "worthy", receptive and dedicated to prayers and service of God, especially one who had manifestingly exhibited elderly character before the holy ordination.
"Before he was awarded "Elder", he doesn't miss his prayers. He's an elder to all of us. He organises the entire village and they call him "Elder" before now, not knowing that he would be crowned as an Elder of Methodist Church Nigeria," he said.
Elder Onyemachi who holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration, was born to the family of Mazi Paul Onyemachi of Ndi Ugo Amune Ovim, Isuikwuato, Local Government Area.
As a civil servant, Onyemachi retired as Deputy Director, Ministry of Works, and in 2009, became the Procurement Officer in Abia State FADAMA Project.
Onyemachi currently holds Procurement position in LIFE-ND Project.
Ministers present were: Sir Okechukwu Ndukwe , Ph.D; Very Rev. Chidi Nnabugwu, Very Rev Ernest Onyeukwu, including Abia LIFE-ND members of staff, among others.
The ordination service was held at Wesley Cathedral Umuahia, also had 22 persons awarded "The Faithful Servant of God, TFSG.
