A husband and wife Dr. Gabriel Achukwu and Dr. Barbara Ejemeh Achukwu are among 60 knights decorated in the Anglican Communion, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
By Jude Nzennaya, Port Harcourt
The Cathedral Church of Saint Paul, Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State was agog recently as 60 persons were honoured and decorated as Knights and Lady of Good Shepherd (KGS), Knight of Saint Christopher (KGS) and Knight of Saint Mary (KSM).
Among those decorated by the Bishop Diocese of Niger Delta North, Right Reverend Wisdom Budu Ihunwo were Dr. Gabriel Achukwu and wife Dr. Barbara Ejemeh Achukwu as Knight and Lady of Good Shepherd (KGS), Knight of Saint Christopher (KGS) and Knight of Saint Mary (KSM), respectively.
The Investiture of Knights programme, was part of the activities that marked the 30th Anniversary of the creation of the Diocese of Niger Delta North. The programe attracted dignitaries from across Nigeria and Anglican community and faithful in the Diaspora.
Speaking while decorating the new Knights and their Noble Ladies, Bishop of DNDN, Church of Nigeria, (Global Anglican Communion), Ihunwo DSSRS said 61 Knights, including those in the Diaspora with proven character, service to God and humanity merited the 2026 Knighthood Investiture, together with their ladies.
Admonishing them, Ihunwo said, “We call on the new Knights to remember that the best thing to think of whenever they remember themselves as Knight is What is my work or duty as a lay member of the Church of God, especially to the Anglican Church and Community?
“We therefore congratulate and wish all the worthy recipients of the Knighthood Order of Saint Christopher, Saint Mary and Good Shepherd. Many more years of meritorious Service to God and humanity,” he said.
In a sermon at the Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Abia State, one of the officiating priests, Right Reverend Geoffery. O. Ibeabuchi congratulated all those who were decorated and invested as Knights of the Anglican Communion at the ceremony in Port Harcourt.
Speaking further, he said that the newly decorated Knights and their ladies were carefully selected because of their character reflecting a Christ-like life, noting that their knighthood is also a call to higher office in service to God and humanity.
Speaking with Tentacle in an interview Dr. Gabriel Nchey Achukwu said, “I feel unworthy of any earthly honour by the Church. And I was not expecting this, my only expectation is to run a victorious race and to receive the promised crown of victory by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
Sir. GABRIEL described his Knighthood as God’s favour, which he said was unmerited, adding, “What can I possibly contribute to attract this huge recognition and a call for higher responsibilities in God’s Vineyard and society?
Expressing the belief that God will lead him through the right path, he described Bishop Ihunwo as a committed man of God who is fulfilling the mandate of God in this Diocese under his episcopacy.
In the same vein Sir Gabriel Achukwu admonished his fellow Knights and the Ladies, old and new to know that they are the Light of Christ shining brightly into the deep darkness of this world, saying, “Let the Glory of Jesus manifest in you and through you to the unbelievers.”
On her path, Lady Barbara Achukwu, who said she and her husband were so honoured and blessed for the recognition, expressed gratitude to God Almighty, who through his Church and the Lord Bishop, they were both honoured.
“This Knighthood has taught me that whatever you do in life, some people are watching and your godly services towards God and mankind will surely be rewarded one day,” she said, while appreciating the Lord Bishop for the honour done to them through this Knighthood Investiture.
She thanked the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for the opportunities, privileges, exposures, welfare and trainings, among others she has benefited so far, while specially commending the Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho and his executive team, while also acknowledging the support of the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemekara (KSC) as well as her other colleagues for their understanding.
