The Catholic community in Owerri witnessed a dual celebration on Saturday, August 9, 2025, as the Owerri Metropolitan Council of the Knights of St. Mulumba held the 4th Degree investiture for 127 members and commissioned a multi-million naira water factory in Obinze, Owerri.
While delivering his homily at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral during the Investiture Mass, the Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of the Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev. Moses Chikwe, urged the newly elevated Knights and Ladies to remain steadfast in their faith and live exemplary Christian lives.
“You have put in so much to reach the highest degree of the Order,” Bishop Chikwe said during his homily. “What is expected after this elevation is to keep firm with the faith and be more strong in it.”
He reminded them that the 4th Degree status, which is the pinnacle of the Order’s hierarchy, calls for greater commitment, noting that “the public will expect more from you.”
The investiture was conducted by the Supreme Knight, Sir Charles Mbelede, after confirming that all candidates presented for investiture had satisfactorily met the requirements for elevation.
The 127 members are members from Aba, Ahiara, Okigwe, Orlu, Owerri, and Umuahia dioceses. Owerri Diocese presented the highest number with 37 Brothers and Sisters, 13 widows, and 2 widowers, followed by Orlu with 33 Brothers and Sisters and 9 widows. Other dioceses included Okigwe (12 Brothers and Sisters, 5 widows), Aba (3 Brothers and Sisters, 2 widows, 1 widower), Umuahia (5 Brothers and Sisters, 2 widows, 1 widower), and Ahiara (2 Brothers and Sisters).
In another development after the investiture at Obinze in Owerri, the Catholic Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Owerri, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, commissioned the Aura Gold Water Factory, describing it as “the most modernized water factory I have ever seen.”
“I want to commend the Knights of St. Mulumba for this initiative,” Archbishop Ugorji said. “Providing water is one of the corporal works of mercy, and in a country where potable water is no longer readily available, this project is a sure remedy towards addressing the need, especially for those coming into Owerri.”
He urged the Order to maintain the factory’s standards and highlighted its potential to create employment. “It will provide job opportunities for qualified persons in the Owerri environs and beyond. Those who have the opportunity to work here must make judicious use of it to justify their employment,” he added.
Metro Grand Knight of the Owerri Metropolitan Council, Sir Eva Njemanze, said efforts were underway to scale up production to meet growing demand.
“What we currently produce is not even meeting the demands from our brothers who are placing orders,” he explained. “We have the equipment to serve Owerri and beyond, and we intend to increase production of Aura Gold water, our table water brand.”
The project began in 2019 but was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, eventually reaching completion in 2021. Since then, the facility has met all regulatory standards and remains committed to providing clean, safe drinking water.
With faith strengthened and community service expanded, the Knights of St. Mulumba’s weekend of celebrations reflected both their spiritual mission and their practical commitment to improving lives.
