By Izunna Okafor, Awka
It is no longer news that Nnewi, the automobile nerve centre of Anambra State, recently played host to Nigeria’s Catholic hierarchy as renowned industrialist and philanthropist, Dr. Cletus Madubugwu Ibeto, CON, hosted an Episcopal Gala Night Reception for Catholic Bishops from across the country.
The reception, held at Dr. Ibeto’s country home in Nnewi, formed part of activities that heralded the recent commissioning of the Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Cathedral, Nnewi.
The gathering, which attracted an unprecedented assembly of high-ranking Catholic clerics, still re-echoes as one of the most significant religious events hosted in the town in recent history.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty; Cardinal Francis Arinze; Cardinal John Onaiyekan; Cardinal Peter Okpaleke; President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji; Archbishop Valerian Maduka Okeke of the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province; Bishop Jonas Benson Okoye, alongside several other archbishops, bishops and senior clergy from within and outside the province.
Welcoming the bishops, Dr. Ibeto expressed gratitude to God for what he described as a rare privilege and honour, noting that hosting such a large number of Catholic bishops at a private residence was, to the best of his knowledge, unprecedented in the history of the Church in Nigeria.
He described the gathering as historic, not only for himself and his family, but for the entire Nnewi Diocese, stressing that the moment marked a significant spiritual milestone for the community.
Dr. Ibeto stated that his long-standing involvement in church-related projects, including infrastructure and educational development and others, has always been driven by divine motivation rather than material considerations.
According to him, many of the projects he has supported over the years often unfolded naturally, sometimes without deliberate planning, a process he attributed entirely to God’s guidance.
He further noted that the completion of the Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Cathedral stands as a source of collective joy for the Nnewi Diocese, describing the edifice as one of the largest Catholic cathedrals in Nigeria and a landmark achievement for the Church.
Dr. Ibeto emphasized that the Episcopal Gala Night was deliberately organized to offer a relaxed and welcoming environment for the bishops ahead of the commissioning ceremony, while also giving them the opportunity to experience the hospitality and culture of the Nnewi people.
He invited the bishops and other guests to feel at home, not only within his residence, but across the entire Nnewi community.
The event, which witnessed moments of prayer and interaction among members of the Catholic hierarchy, further reinforced both episcopal and communal unity as preparations intensified for the cathedral commissioning.
Reacting to the significance of the gathering, the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Youth Empowerment Programmes, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, commended Dr. Ibeto for what he described as rare selfless service and show commitment to the growth of the Church.
Dr. Omenugha, reacting in an exclusive interview with this reporter, Izunna Okafor, said Dr. Ibeto’s consistent support for faith-based development reflects his deep sense of responsibility and leadership that transcends personal or material interests.
According to him, such acts of quiet sacrifice serve as a strong inspiration to young Nigerians, particularly those in leadership and entrepreneurial spaces, on the importance of giving back to society through purposeful service.
He added that the cathedral project and the Episcopal gathering further underscore the role of private individuals in complementing communal and institutional development efforts, especially in areas of faith, entrepreneurship, education and social cohesion.
Dr. Omenugha, a Communication scholar, social entrepreneur and public affairs analyst, further described the Gala Night as another evidence that Governor Soludo is rapidly achieving his great vision of making Anambra a liveable and prosperous homeland where people seamlessly leave, work, relax, and enjoy.
More photos from the event:
