By Izunna Okafor, Awka
It was an evening of sacred hymns and convivial fellowship on Monday as the President of the Catholic Men Organization (CMO), Awka Diocese, Hon. Barr. Sir Victor Meju, hosted a melodious 2025 Christmas Carol at his residence in Awka, the Anambra State capital, in what turned out to be a spiritually uplifting and socially bonding celebration of the season.
The carol night, which held in the serene and convivial atmosphere of his residence, brought together members of the Church, family, friends, neighbours and stakeholders from different walks of life, who gathered to celebrate the birth of the Messiah through spiritual renditions and social relaxation.
Proudly witnessed and endorsed by members of the Meju Family, the well-attended event also attracted notable external personalities, including the Awka Diocesan Chancellor and Secretary, Rev. Fr. Dr. Charles Ndubisi; the Vicar of St. Anthony’s Parish, Ifite Awka, Rev. Fr. Cyriacus Okechukwu Ogbuka; the Director, Social (DOS 1), Awka Diocesan CMO, Bro. Uchenna Ignatius Malife; the Regional Coordinator, CMO, Nimo Region, Mr. Ifeanyi Asiegbu; Founder of Soludo Solution in Maryland, Washington DC, Engr. Arinze Anyadiegwu; as well as leaders and members of the Landlords Association in the estate, among other stakeholders.
The event was further enriched by the beautiful and melodious carol renditions from the Holy Childhood Association (HCA) Choir of St. Joseph Parish, Temporary Site, Awka, led by its Coordinator, Paschal Chima Okeke; as well as the St. Cecilia Angelic Choir of St. Joseph the Workers Chaplaincy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, who also presented a beautiful portrait to the Host in the spirit of the celebration.
The highly entertaining and spiritually engaging carol night was climaxed with the distribution of bags of rice and other gift items to participants by the host, Sir Engr. Meju, as part of his gesture of love and support in the spirit of Christmas.
Addressing newsmen at the event, Sir Victor Meju described Christmas as a season of love, sharing and gratitude to God, noting that the essence of the celebration goes beyond merriment to touching lives and strengthening communal bonds.
According to him, the carol was organised to give glory to God, promote Christian values, and provide an opportunity for people to come together in unity, peace and joy, especially at a time when society needs more compassion and mutual support for one another.
Engr. Meju, who is also the Anambra State Chairman of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and Founder of the Global Foundation for Nigerians with Disabilities, further emphasized the need for individuals who are blessed to continually extend a helping hand to others, stressing that service to humanity remains a fundamental Christian obligation.
He added that the gesture of giving during the event was his modest way of sharing the joy of the season and appreciating God’s grace in his life and family. He also specifically felicitated with the Bishop and members of the CMO, Awka Diocese, as well as Nigerians and Christians all over the world, wishing them merry Christmas and prosperous new year in advance.
Also speaking, the wife of the host, Mrs. Chioma Meju, described Christmas as a period of reflection, thanksgiving and selfless love, emphasizing the need for families and groups to use the season to strengthen relationships and promote peace within their homes and communities.
According to her, celebrating Christmas should always remind Christians of the values of humility, kindness and generosity exemplified by the birth of Jesus Christ. She further expressed gratitude to God for a successful and peaceful carol night.
In their separate goodwill messages, some of the participants, including the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Charles Ndubisi; the Director, Social (DOS 1), Diocesan CMO, Awka Diocese, Bro. Uchenna Ignatius Malife; the Vicar of St. Anthony’s Parish, Ifite Awka, Rev. Fr. Cyriacus Okechukwu Ogbuka; the Regional Coordinator, CMO, Nimo Region, Mr. Asiegbu Ifeanyi; and Founder of Soludo Solution in Maryland, Washington DC, Engr. Arinze Anyadiegwu, commended Sir Victor Meju for his consistency in promoting Christian fellowship, love and charity.
They described the carol night as timely and impactful, noting that it not only reinforced the true meaning of Christmas but also fostered unity, joy and a sense of shared responsibility among participants; even as they prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the Meju family.
Among others, the melodious carol renditions by the children and youth choirs, the rich refreshments, as well as the hearty distribution of gifts by the host formed the major highlights of the event.
More photos from the event:
