It was a joyful and inspiring Sunday at St. Patrick’s Parish, Kpirikpiri, as the Catholic Women Organization (CWO) of Abakaliki Diocese conferred the revered title of Ezinne on Chief Mrs. Lilian Ifeoma Eze in recognition of her unwavering devotion to family, exemplary Christian virtues, and selfless contributions to the church and society.
The ceremony was more than a church event because it became a heartfelt celebration of love, service, and moral excellence, drawing leaders, family, and well-wishers to honour a woman whose life radiates the values of motherhood and faith.
Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Chris Amaga, described the Ezinne title as a rare and noble recognition, earned through years of visible impact and consistent character.
“To be called Ezinne is not just a name but it’s a reward for a life of sacrifice, service, and virtue. Mrs. Eze truly deserves this honour,” he said.
Dr. Peter Mbam, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, echoed similar sentiments, praising the honouree for promoting peace and unity within her home and the broader community. He called on other women to emulate her by raising children who add value to society.
The celebration took on even deeper meaning, coming just one week after her husband, Chief Lazarus Eze—Member One of the Ebonyi State Secondary Education Board who was also honoured as Patron of the Catholic Women Organization, Izzi Zone.
A visibly emotional Chief Eze described the double honour as “a divine testimony of grace.”
“It is not common for a husband and wife to be separately honoured by different arms of the church within days. This reflects what unity, love, and service in marriage can produce,” he noted.
The event drew prominent women across the state, including Prof. Adaeze Nwuzor - former LGA Chairman of Ebonyi local government area of Ebonyi State, Lolo Macilina Augustine Uburu, former Coordinator of Ebonyi Development Centre, and Mrs. Rebecca Nwoba Ndeze - a staff of Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, among others who commended Mrs. Eze’s legacy as a model of Christian motherhood.
Representing Mrs Theresa Anwu, the Chair Lady of the Ishieke Women Social Welfare Association, Mrs. Linda Ogali urged parents to take greater responsibility in instilling moral values in their children.
“The kind of honour we witness today comes only from a deep moral foundation,” she said.
Architect Maximus Nwachukwu offered a powerful reflection on the significance of the Eze family’s example, urging families to build their homes on love, forgiveness, and unity.
“Marriage is not just about surviving but about mutual sacrifice. When a man and his wife are honoured separately, it means they are united in purpose,” he said.
He further encouraged men to foster peace in their homes: “If you have peace with your wife, everything else will fall into place.”
In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Eze expressed heartfelt gratitude to God, the CWO, and her family. She dedicated the honour to her husband, whom she described as “my daily motivation,” and vowed to continue living a life of service.
“I pray for wisdom, strength, and good health to keep building my family, church, and society in love and truth,” she said.
Chief Eze used the occasion to challenge teachers, parents, and church leaders to lead by example and instill strong moral values in young people.
“The home is the foundation of society. When it is properly nurtured, it produces responsible citizens. The church must keep preaching the truth. Teachers must model discipline. And parents must raise children in love and fear of God,” he emphasized.
Other speakers including the National President of the Ishieke Youth Assembly - Comrade Friday Alo, Engr Sunday Nwokoro, among others said that the honour bestowed on Chief Mrs. Ifeoma Eze is more than personal because it is a resounding affirmation that in a world clouded by distractions, true virtue still shines.
They maintained that her story and that of her husband serves as a beacon of hope, proving that faith, family, and service remain the pillars of a meaningful life.
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