By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
The birthday anniversary celebration of Rev. Fr. John Damian Adizie, fondly known as the Apostle of Divine Mercy, was a momentous and spiritually uplifting event held in his hometown of Alike. The grand occasion commenced with a solemn yet celebratory Holy Mass at Immaculate Heart Catholic Parish, attended by a host of clergy members, parishioners, and well-wishers.
Beyond marking another year of divine grace, Fr. Damian seized this sacred occasion to officially launch the Works of Mercy Humanitarian Foundation, a visionary initiative dedicated to youth empowerment and holistic development—spiritually, morally, physically, and financially. His unwavering commitment to uplifting young lives through this foundation resonated deeply with attendees, setting the tone for an event that embodied both faith and action.
As part of the celebration, a highly anticipated football tournament, organized for youths within the Okigwe Diocese, reached its grand finale. The tournament, which featured both male and female categories, showcased extraordinary sportsmanship and competitive spirit. In the male category, Obowo West Deanery triumphed over Obowo East Deanery, while in the female category, Obowo West Deanery emerged victorious against Ehime West Deanery, securing the championship trophies for both divisions.
The electrifying final match was further enriched by vibrant performances from various dance groups, the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake, and commendations from esteemed guests. As an ardent supporter of youth engagement in sports, Fr. Damian, moved by the overwhelming success of the event, announced his intention to host a state-wide football tournament in May 2025 in honor of World Football Day, providing a larger platform for Imo youth to showcase their talent and unity through sports.
Delivering an address on behalf of the Executive Chairman of Obowo Local Government Area, Hon. Barr. Obioma Ehirim Johnson, the Chief Press Secretary, Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke, extended heartfelt congratulations to Rev. Fr. John Damian Adizie on the occasion of his birthday anniversary. The chairman expressed profound admiration for the celebrant’s unwavering dedication to community development, youth empowerment, and humanitarian service.
Hon. Ehirim commended Fr. Damian for not only celebrating his birthday but also using the occasion to launch the Works of Mercy Humanitarian Foundation, a visionary initiative that aligns with the principles of sustainable development and social transformation. He praised the priest’s commitment to fostering growth among the youth, providing them with opportunities for moral, spiritual, and financial advancement. The chairman acknowledged that such efforts play a crucial role in shaping a progressive and self-reliant society.
Furthermore, Hon. Ehirim lauded Fr. Damian’s initiative in organizing the football tournament for young people within Okigwe Diocese, noting that sports remain a powerful tool for youth engagement, discipline, and unity. He assured the priest of the local government’s support in future endeavors, including the proposed state-wide football tournament in May 2025 to mark World Football Day. Concluding his address, he urged the people of Obowo to rally behind Fr. Damian’s humanitarian vision and embrace initiatives that contribute to the overall development of the community.
In his address, HRH Eze Michael Obioma (Eze Oha Choro II) of Amato Autonomous Community expressed profound joy and admiration for Rev. Fr. John Damian Adizie, describing him as a beacon of hope and a pillar of development in the community. He emphasized that Fr. Damian’s unwavering dedication to humanitarian service and youth empowerment is a testament to his divine calling and selfless nature.
Eze Oha Choro II highlighted the importance of spiritual leaders who go beyond their religious duties to positively impact society, commending Fr. Damian for launching the Works of Mercy Humanitarian Foundation. He noted that such an initiative would not only uplift the youth but also foster a culture of generosity, responsibility, and moral uprightness. The traditional ruler further acknowledged the priest’s efforts in using sports as a tool for unity and social development, applauding the successful Okigwe Diocese Football Tournament and supporting the plan for a state-wide competition in May 2025.
Concluding his address, HRH Eze Michael Obioma called on the people of Obowo to recognize and celebrate the greatness within their own land. He urged them to support Fr. Damian’s mission, emphasizing that the success of one son of the soil is a victory for the entire community. He assured the priest of the unwavering support of Amato Autonomous Community and prayed for more divine strength and blessings upon his life and ministry.
Similarly, HRH Eze Dr. Sir Emma Obasi (Eze Ala III of Alike Autonomous Community) expressed immense pride and gratitude for the remarkable contributions of Rev. Fr. John Damian Adizie to the growth and development of the community. He described Fr. Damian as a true son of the soil whose unwavering commitment to humanitarian service, youth empowerment, and community advancement has positioned him as a role model and a source of inspiration.
Eze Ala III applauded the launch of the Works of Mercy Humanitarian Foundation, noting that such a visionary initiative reflects Fr. Damian’s deep passion for fostering moral, spiritual, and economic growth among the youth. He emphasized that the foundation would serve as a transformative platform to nurture future leaders, instill ethical values, and create opportunities for the younger generation. The traditional ruler further commended the priest’s efforts in organizing the Okigwe Diocese Football Tournament, acknowledging the role of sports in building unity, discipline, and resilience among young people. He assured Fr. Damian of the full support of Alike Autonomous Community, especially in his plans to expand the football initiative into a state-wide tournament by May 2025.
In his concluding remarks, HRH Eze Dr. Sir Emma Obasi called upon the people of Alike and the entire Obowo LGA to celebrate and support their own, recognizing that Fr. Damian’s achievements are a testament to the strength and potential within the community. He prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the celebrant, wishing him more years of impactful service to humanity.
The momentous occasion drew a multitude of dignitaries, including Most Rev. Dr. Solomon A. Amatu, Bishop of Okigwe Diocese,Hon. Austine Onyebuchi Iwu
Former SA to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Primary Health, Diocesan CYON president of Okigwe Diocese Miss Nkechinyere Onwuwanne, Diocesan Chaplain Rev.Fr Peter Ekwebelemalongside a distinguished assembly of priests, traditional rulers, community leaders, and representatives from Fr. Damian’s Eucharistic Adoration groups in the UK, USA, and other parts of the world. In a heartfelt tribute, Eze Utoko proclaimed that Obowo now has its own revered spiritual beacon, akin to renowned figures such as Fr. Mbaka and Fr. Omuoka, rallying the people to celebrate and embrace their own “God of Fr. John Damian.”
The celebration reached its peak as the community erupted into a grand fanfare, transitioning from the lively field events to an opulent reception at the country home of Fr. Damian. There, family members, friends, associates, and well-wishers from near and far gathered in joyous festivity, marking the culmination of a truly unforgettable birthday anniversary.
_Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
