The youths of Holy Cross Catholic Parish Aladinma Owerri, Imo State, yesterday marked the second anniversary of their monthly publication Cross Newsletter, in the church premises.
Speaking during the ceremony, the chairman of the occasion who is also the adviser of Cross Newsletter publication, Barr. Iheanyi Ochor hailed the youths, especially the editorial crew for holding on for two years.
Barr. Ocho said that if the editorial crew who has come from different works of life can stick together for two years, it means they can survive anywhere they find themselves in the future.
“People use their time for different things, but you chose to write with yours. Keep it up and you must know that one can never get to the promise land without passing through the wilderness” He added.
The general manager of the publication Mr Chukwudi Ogu, thanked everyone who has encouraged them from the beginning of the journey, promising that Cross Newsletter and the entire youths of the church will not disappoint them.
Francis Ndimkoha, the editor of the publication hailed the bravery of Ibechueozor Ebubechukwu, who was honoured with the award of Best Columnist for his originality in writing, saying that even when Google is there to help people copy and paste articles, Ebubechukwu chose to standout by creating his articles from the scratch.
Others who were honoured include Honourable Ugonna Uzuruigbo, member representing Nwangele LGA in Imo State House of Assembly and Lady Nnenna Ugorji, MD Ziham Rentals Owerri, both received Awards of Honour for their contributions towards the growth of Cross Newsletter publication.
The event was wrapped up with a raffle draw which saw Ucheoma Ihuoma win a Blackberry phone; Engr. Uzoma Nwankpa, a water dispenser; the church catechist, Mr Athanasius Enyinaya, a home theater set and a staff of Federal University of Technology Owerri who won the star prize of a Refrigerator.
Dignitaries at the event include the assistant Parish priest and parish youth chaplain, Rev Fr Franklin Ogbonna; President, Catholic Women Organization of the parish, Ezinne Codelia Anyaugo; Mr & Mrs Chima Ogbonna; Barr. Lady Oby Amadi-Obi and others.
The event was anchored by the deputy editor, Chima Agbaegbu and Miss Magella.
Barr. Iheanyi Ochor speaking
Barr. Iheanyi Ochor receives the kola from the youths
Rev Fr Franklin Ogbonna blessing the kola
Chukwudi Ogu speaking at the event
cutting of the anniversary cake
Mc 2mIC
Fr Ogbonna praying for the youths
Ibechueozor Ebubechukwu receives his award
Chukwudi Ogu, Ibechueozor Ebubechukwu and Francis Ndimkoha
Ucheoma Ihuoma won a Blackberry phone
Engr. Uzoma Nwankpa, won a water dispenser
the church catechist, Mr Athanasius Enyinaya, won a home theater set
Hardy and Francis Ndimkoha