Council Honours Former Catechist for Dedicated Service to Faith and Family

In a ceremony celebrating dedication and faith, the Owerri Metropolitan Council of the Knights of St. Mulumba has honored Sir John Oleru, a former Catechist at Maria Assumpta Cathedral. The award was given in recognition of his long and distinguished service to the Catholic Church and his exceptional success in building a faith-driven family.

The honor was conferred on August 9, 2025, during a solemn reception at the Cathedral, which also saw 127 other members elevated to the Fourth Degree of the esteemed Order. Speaking at the event, Supreme Knight Sir Charles Mbelede praised Sir Oleru for his unwavering devotion, describing him as a living example of how true commitment to the faith can be a powerful legacy.

A former catechist, Sir Oleru joined the Order on September 27, 1987. His legacy, however, extends beyond his personal contributions to the Church. He is widely admired for having successfully instilled deep Catholic values in his children. His dedication is evident in his family: four of his sons are members of the Knights of St. Mulumba, and his fifth son, Reverend Bernard, was ordained a priest 18 years ago.

The Metro Grand Knight of the Owerri Metro Council, Sir Eva Njemanze, urged other members to follow Sir Oleru’s example. “Sir Oleru’s legacy proves that true commitment to the Church and Order begins at home and extends into the wider community,” Njemanze stated, emphasizing that family evangelization is the bedrock of a strong Church.