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THE TORCH ARRIVAL

After patiently waiting for almost four hours, a mammoth crowd of jubilant and expectant members of the Abuja Grand Commandery and Ladies Auxiliary erupted into thunderous applause as they warmly welcomed the Golden Jubilee Anniversary Torch of the Noble Order of the Knights of St. John International (KSJI), Nigeria.

The Torch is currently on a nationwide tour of the 21 Grand Commanderies and Ladies Auxiliary jurisdictions across the country as part of the celebration of the Order's 50th Anniversary in Nigeria.

The Torch arrived at approximately 6:45 p.m. at the KSJI Temple, Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Catholic Pro-Cathedral, Garki, Abuja, where it was received in a colourful ceremony enhanced by impressive military drills and martial music.

The First Vice Supreme Subordinate President, Brig. Gen. Bona Ugwuja, representing the Supreme Subordinate President of Nigeria, formally received the Torch from the Grand Military Team before presenting it on behalf of the Supreme Subordinate President. Thereafter, the Grand President of Abuja Grand Commandery, Brig. Gen. Francis Njoku, alongside the Grand Respected President, Noble Sister Amaka Umeokeke, officially received the Torch to the resounding cheers of brothers and sisters who proudly welcomed it to the “Signature Grand Commandery,” as Abuja Grand is fondly known.

The Special Guest of Honour and Supreme Subordinate Spiritual Director, Rev. Fr. Brig. Gen. Michael Omughele, blessed the Jubilee Torch and prayed that its light would bring God's blessings, life, grace, faith, joy, and peace to members, their families, and their homes.

Before arriving in Abuja, the Jubilee Torch had successfully visited the Issele-Uku and Port Harcourt Grand Commanderies.

Following the reception ceremony, the Grand President and Grand Respected President led members in a ceremonial procession into Cardinal Onaiyekan Hall within the Abuja Grand Temple, where the indoor programme commenced.

After the establishment of protocol, the Chairman of the Publicity Committee for the Golden Jubilee Celebration, Noble Brother Peter Osamgbi, gave a detailed presentation on the symbolism of the Jubilee logo, the significance of the celebration's theme, and the meaning behind the official Golden Jubilee mascot.

The Co-Chairperson of the Central Planning Committee, Noble Sister Perpetua Uhomoibhi, thereafter presented specially branded Golden Jubilee souvenirs to the Grand President and Grand Respected President. The traditional presentation of kola nut followed.

In their goodwill messages, the Grand President and Grand Respected President expressed profound appreciation to the Supreme Subordinate Commandery for initiating the Golden Jubilee Torch Tour and commended the Central Planning Committee for the successful coordination of the nationwide exercise. They also thanked members for their impressive turnout and encouraged families to invite the Jubilee Torch into their homes so that they, too, could share in the blessings and spiritual significance of the celebration.

The Supreme Subordinate Spiritual Director offered the closing prayers and final blessing. After additional military ceremonial honours, the memorable activities of the first day came to a successful conclusion.

To round off the day's engagements, the leadership of Abuja Grand Commandery paid a courtesy visit to the Past Supreme Subordinate Spiritual Director, Rev. Fr. Patrick Alumukwu, who is presently recuperating from illness. The delegation wished him God's healing and a speedy recovery.

The Golden Jubilee Torch remained in Abuja for three days, with a series of activities scheduled to extend the spirit and blessings of the anniversary to selected KSJI families.

DAY TWO: GOLDEN JUBILEE ANNIVERSARY TORCH VISITS THREE HOMES IN ABUJA

If Day One was remarkable, Day Two was simply outstanding as the Golden Jubilee Anniversary Torch commenced its tour of selected homes of members in Abuja, extending the spirit and blessings of the Jubilee celebration to their families.

The first port of call was the residence of His Excellency, Sir George Akume, CON, and Regina Akume, at exactly 12:45 p.m. The delegation was warmly received by Her Excellency, Hon. Lady Regina Akume, JP, Member representing Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Following a brief but colourful military ceremony, the Grand President of Abuja Grand Commandery, Brig. Gen. Francis Njoku, together with the Grand Respected President, Noble Sister Amaka Umeokeke, presented the National Golden Jubilee Torch to Hon. Regina Akume, who received it on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON.

She lit the family's commemorative Jubilee Torch from the National Anniversary Torch as a lasting symbol of the family's participation in the historic celebration.

The Representative of the Supreme Subordinate President and Second Supreme Subordinate Trustee, Noble Brother Peter Osamgbi, explained the symbolism of the Golden Jubilee logo and the theme of the anniversary. Thereafter, the Co-Chairperson of the Central Planning Committee, Noble Sister Perpetua Uhomoibhi, presented the official Golden Jubilee souvenir to the Akume family.

In his remarks, the Grand President expressed appreciation to the Akume family for their unwavering love and commitment to the Order, declaring, “We are proud of you.”

He congratulated Hon. Regina Akume on her victory in the APC primary election for the Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency and wished her success in the forthcoming 2027 general election. He reminded her that, as a mother, wife, sister, philanthropist, and distinguished member of the Order, she should continue to remain a worthy ambassador of KSJI.

Responding, Hon. Regina Akume explained that the exigencies of official duty had prevented Senator George Akume from being physically present. She assured the delegation that she would brief him on the visit and pledged the family's continued support for the Golden Jubilee projects.

Special prayers were offered for God's blessings, good health, long life, and continued success upon the Akume family.

The Torch procession next moved to the residence of Noble Brother Tony Emelife and Lady Uzo Emelife in Mabushi District of the Federal Capital Territory, where it was received with full military honours.

Noble Brother Tony Emelife, who serves as the Supreme Subordinate Director of Media, led members of the delegation into the family chapel after receiving the Torch. There, the commemorative family light was placed in a special position while prayers were offered. The official Golden Jubilee souvenir was also presented to the family.

Speaking during the visit, the Grand President commended Noble Brother Tony Emelife for his exceptional media talents and unwavering commitment to the growth of the Order. He assured members across Nigeria that, as always, the sights and sounds of the 2026 Supreme Convention would be skillfully documented and brought to members through the cameras of Noble Brother Emelife.

The Emelife family treated the delegation to generous hospitality, presenting kola nut and serving a sumptuous lunch, with additional refreshments thoughtfully packaged for members to take away. The family also made a generous donation of ₦2.5 million towards the Golden Jubilee projects and pledged their full participation in the anniversary celebrations.

Noble Brother Tony Emelife is a successful businessman and one of the Order's most passionate and dedicated members. Lady Uzo Emelife is the Managing Director of NNPC Properties Limited and the Acting Company Secretary and Legal Adviser of NNPC Limited.

The final visit of the day was to the residence of the oldest Knight in Abuja Grand Commandery, Noble Brother Dr. Thaddeus Sunday Chukwuka Okoye, fondly known as Sir TSC Okoye, in Karu District of the Federal Capital Territory.

Members of St. Mary's Commandery 678, Karu, gathered in large numbers to honour a man widely regarded as the Father of KSJI in Abuja. Sir TSC Okoye was initiated into the First Degree of the Noble Order on 1 September 1985 and has faithfully served the Order for 41 years.

The septuagenarian Knight and his family were visibly overwhelmed with joy and gratitude as they received the Jubilee Torch in their home, describing the visit as a great honour and a memorable blessing.

In his address, the Grand President paid glowing tribute to Sir TSC Okoye and his family for their remarkable legacy of faithful service and steadfast commitment to the Order over four decades. He described Sir Okoye as a repository of KSJI history, traditions, knowledge, and values, noting that younger generations of Knights continue to benefit immensely from his wisdom and exemplary life.

Coincidentally, members of St. Mary's Commandery 678 were holding their monthly fellowship at the residence of Noble Brother F. S. Frank. The Golden Jubilee delegation joined the fellowship, where prayers were offered for the continued growth of the Noble Order and for God's guidance upon its leadership at every level.

Day Two of the Golden Jubilee Anniversary Torch Tour was truly memorable, filled with fraternity, celebration, generosity, prayers, and renewed commitment to the ideals of the Noble Order.

DAY THREE: GOLDEN JUBILEE ANNIVERSARY TORCH BRINGS JOY AND BLESSINGS TO THREE KSJI FAMILIES

Day Three of the Golden Jubilee Anniversary Torch Tour in Abuja was another remarkable spectacle as the symbolic light visited three distinguished KSJI families, bringing joy, fellowship, prayers, and renewed commitment to the ideals of the Noble Order.

The Nwokeji Family Welcomes the Torch

The first port of call was the palatial Asokoro residence of the Past Grand President, Brig. Gen. Jerome Nwokeji, and Noble Sister Thelma Nwokeji, where the Torch arrived at exactly 3:00 p.m. and was received with an impressive military ceremony.

The Grand President, Brig. Gen. Francis Njoku, formally received the Torch and presented it to the Nwokeji family, who led the delegation into their family altar, where it was reverently placed.

The moment was particularly symbolic as the family had welcomed their first grandchild just a day earlier, making the light a fitting symbol of hope, blessings, and a brighter tomorrow.

Representing the Supreme Subordinate President, Noble Brother Peter Osamgbi explained the significance of the Golden Jubilee theme and logo, while the Co-Chairperson of the Central Planning Committee, Noble Sister Perpetua Uhomoibhi, presented the official anniversary souvenir to the family.

Brig. Gen. Jerome Nwokeji is a Past Grand President of Abuja Grand Commandery, a former Worthy President of Holy Trinity Commandery No. 574, Maitama, and currently serves as the Supreme Subordinate Director of Projects, Nigeria.

Noble Sister Thelma Nwokeji is a Past Respected President of Holy Trinity Ladies Auxiliary, Maitama, a former Grand Financial Secretary, and currently serves as the Supreme Subordinate Under Secretary, LAUX.

Both are accomplished architects of international repute. Brig. Gen. Nwokeji practises in both Nigeria and the United States and has handled numerous landmark projects for government and the Church, earning several professional awards.

Notably, he provided, free of charge, the architectural design, structural supervision, and electrical supervision for the KSJI Centre of Excellence project, valued at over ₦50 million.

In appreciation of the visit and in support of the projects of the Supreme Subordinate Commandery and Ladies Auxiliary, Nigeria, the Nwokeji family donated ₦2.5 million.

Responding, the Grand President praised the family for their unwavering commitment and generosity towards the Order. He recalled that during Brig. Gen. Nwokeji's tenure as Grand President, when he himself served as Grand Under Secretary (Administration), Abuja Grand experienced remarkable style, class, social cohesion, and significant growth.

The Torch Visits the Nwokoye Family

The second visit was to the elegant Asokoro residence of Capt. Dr. Emmanuel Nwokoye and Dame Lady Adaora Umaoji-Nwokoye.

In another solemn military ceremony, the Torch was received by Dr. Nwokoye and placed in the family's beautiful private chapel, occupying a special and prominent place of honour.

Noble Brother Peter Osamgbi again explained the Golden Jubilee theme and logo, while Noble Sister Perpetua Uhomoibhi presented the anniversary souvenir.

In his remarks, the Grand President fondly recalled that Dr. Emmanuel Nwokoye, Col. A. K. Peters, and he were students together at the University of Port Harcourt in the 1990s, where they were known as devoted “Church boys” who clearly understood the purpose of their university education.

He commended the Nwokoye family for their immense contributions to the Church, the Order, and the nation. He particularly acknowledged their charitable works, including the churches they have built, and congratulated them for being among the select families chosen to receive the Golden Jubilee Torch in Abuja.

Responding, Dr. Emmanuel Nwokoye expressed profound appreciation for the honour bestowed on his family.

He explained that his sister, Dame Adaora Umaoji-Nwokoye, was unavoidably absent on official assignment in her capacity as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank but had made elaborate arrangements for the reception.

“She may not be here physically, but she is with us in spirit. She loves KSJI deeply, and we always make ourselves available for its activities as our schedules permit.”

Dr. Nwokoye described KSJI as a powerful instrument of spiritual transformation.

“We are happy to receive you in our home. We appreciate the Supreme Subordinate President for choosing us to be part of this historic Torch Tour. The Grand President, Grand Secretary, and I met as students at the University of Port Harcourt and never imagined our paths would cross again in this manner. That is life. We are proud of what you are doing in the Order. Please keep it up. May KSJI lead us to Heaven. KSJI has greatly transformed our spiritual lives. Thank you for recognising us.”

The family hosted the delegation to a sumptuous dinner prepared by Dame Adaora Umaoji-Nwokoye and supported the Golden Jubilee projects with a generous donation of ₦2 million.

Also speaking, Rev. Fr. John Oluoma, a close friend of the family, observed that KSJI is about “lighting a candle rather than cursing the darkness.” He expressed delight that the symbolic light had entered the home and encouraged members to shun evil and remain steadfast in God.

The Grand Respected President delivered the vote of thanks before Rev. Fr. Oluoma concluded the visit with prayers and a solemn blessing.

Ambassador Chris Ohadiugha Receives the Torch

The final visit of Day Three was to the residence of His Excellency, Ambassador Noble Brother Chris Ohadiugha, Jewel Honouree KSJI, and Noble Sister Charity Ohadiugha, Supreme Subordinate Vice President II, LAUX, in Zone 2, Wuse District, Abuja.

The colourful ceremony featured an explanation of the Golden Jubilee theme and mascot to Ambassador Ohadiugha, while the official anniversary souvenir was presented by the Grand Recording and Corresponding Secretary, LAUX, Lady Grace Ukpai.

This marked the sixth family visited since the Torch arrived in Abuja.

In his remarks, the Grand President extolled Ambassador Ohadiugha as a Jewel Honouree, the highest honour in the Noble Order, and thanked him for his immense support to the Order and to his wife in her service.

He praised the family for their unwavering commitment to KSJI and for helping to spread the ideals of the Order.

The Supreme Subordinate Trustees also congratulated the family, after which the traditional presentation of kola nut was made.

Visibly excited, Ambassador Ohadiugha said:

“I am happy with the direction KSJI is taking in Nigeria and particularly in Abuja Grand. I am impressed by the lofty projects being undertaken. We will support the Anniversary projects with ₦200,000.”

Noble Sister Charity Ohadiugha paid glowing tribute to her husband, describing him as her greatest pillar of support throughout her years of service to the Order.

A former Respected President of Maitama Ladies Auxiliary, former Grand Judge Advocate of Abuja Grand, and former Supreme Subordinate Adviser for eight years, she recalled that her husband personally sponsored her travels to every Supreme Subordinate Board meeting throughout that period.

Overwhelmed with emotion, she simply concluded:

“You have truly made my day.”

Prayers were offered for the family and the success of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, bringing another memorable and inspiring day of the Abuja Torch Tour to a successful conclusion.

The Golden Jubilee Anniversary Torch Tour in Abuja was marked by faith, fellowship, family, generosity, military tradition, and a renewed commitment to the ideals and future of the Noble Order of the Knights of St. John International.

As the Torch continues its nationwide journey, its light remains a powerful symbol of the Order's 50 years of presence, service, brotherhood, sisterhood, faith, and commitment in Nigeria.

By Sir AK Peters 

Grand Secretary, Abuja Grand Commandery.