A total of 279 members of the Knights of St. Mulumba, Nigeria (KSM), comprising 131 Brothers and 148 Sisters, were on Saturday, June 6, 2026, elevated to the prestigious Fourth Degree, the highest rank in the Order, during a ceremony presided over by the Worthy Supreme Knight (WSK), Sir Steve Adehi, SAN, CKSM, KCSS, at the Jubilee Hall of Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri.
The investiture ceremony, which marked the climax of the Supreme Knight’s two-day official visit to the Owerri Metro Council, commenced with a Holy Mass celebrated by the Episcopal Vicar representing the Auxiliary Bishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Moses Chikwe. In his homily, Rev. Fr. Henry Opara delivered a stirring reflection on discipline, responsibility and Christian witness.
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In a further demonstration of the Order’s commitment to charity and social responsibility, approximately 40 widows drawn from the newly elevated sisters received cash gifts from the Worthy Supreme Knight, Sir Steve Adehi, SAN, CKSM, KCSS, shortly after the investiture ceremony. The gesture was warmly received by the beneficiaries and underscored the Knights of St. Mulumba’s enduring commitment to supporting vulnerable members of society through acts of compassion and Christian charity. The presentation formed part of the humanitarian outreach activities associated with the Supreme Knight’s visit to Owerri Metro.
Speaking with our correspondent about the newly elevated members, Sir Adehi urged them to regard their attainment of the Fourth Degree as a call to greater responsibility and service to both the Church and society.
“This Fourth Degree attainment is a sign of greater responsibility for the newly elevated members because they are now like a light set on top of a mountain,” he said.
“More people will be looking up to them and much more will be expected of them. Therefore, they must remain shining lights capable of drawing others closer to Christ.”
The Supreme Knight also encouraged members of the Order to participate actively in politics and governance, stressing that the Church supports the involvement of faithful Catholics in public life as a means of promoting good governance and societal transformation.
“The Church has encouraged her members to participate in politics at all levels because when we engage in public service, we have the opportunity to live exemplary lives that others can emulate,” he stated.
“Through our conduct and adherence to the teachings of the Church, we can influence society positively and contribute to better governance. This is an opportunity for our members to demonstrate leadership, integrity and competence in helping to build a better nation.”
The investiture ceremony was the highlight of Sir Adehi’s historic two-day visit to Owerri Metro, his first official assignment in the area since his emergence as Supreme Knight on November 29, 2025.
The visit began on Friday, June 5, when the Worthy Supreme Knight arrived at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport aboard an Air Peace flight at approximately 1:00 p.m. He was warmly received by a delegation of KSM members led by the Owerri Metro Grand Knight (MGK), Sir (Prof.) Augonus Nnamdi Uhuegbu.
In a symbolic welcome ceremony, little Munachi Nwozuzu presented him with a bouquet of flowers, while Kamsi Nwozuzu adorned him with a ceremonial bead. Also present at the airport were Sir Eva Njemanze, Immediate Past Metro Grand Knight; Sir Onyewuchi, Worthy Metro Secretary; Sir Odinakachi Anyanwu, Worthy Metro Public Relations Officer; Sir Jude Aguguom, Worthy Metro Auditor; immediate past Metro Treasurer, Lady Amaka Megwas; Lady Cordelia Kalu; Lady Chioma Umezuruike; and members of the press.
Following a brief reception at Mulumba House, Owerri, where he was joined by the Worthy Deputy Supreme Knight (WDSK), Sir Dan Egwu, the delegation proceeded to Obinze, Owerri, to inspect the multi-million-naira Aura Water Factory, one of the major investments of the Order.
Speaking after the inspection, Sir Adehi expressed satisfaction with the project and its prospects.
“My visit to Owerri has afforded me the opportunity to see the Water Factory, which is one of the major investments belonging to the KSM,” he said.
“I am happy with this project and, with what is going on here, we can now sit down and examine ways to improve it because this investment is a huge asset to the Order.”
The Supreme Knight and his entourage later visited the Women and Youth Empowerment Centre (WAYECO) located in Area M, New Owerri. The skill acquisition centre, established by the Ladies of St. Mulumba (LSM) and commissioned in 2016 by the former Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has continued to provide vocational training and empowerment opportunities for young people and women.
“I have heard so much about this investment called WAYECO,” Sir Adehi said.
“Owerri Metro is rich in investments belonging to our Order, and I am delighted to see this project physically. We will certainly return to examine how best we can improve it and derive greater value from it.”
As part of his itinerary, the Supreme Knight also paid a courtesy visit to the Archbishop of the Owerri Metropolitan See, His Grace, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji. Discussions during the visit centred on issues relating to the continued growth and development of the Knights of St. Mulumba in Nigeria.
Appreciation was expressed to Archbishop Ugorji for his unwavering support for the Order, particularly during his tenure as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN). Ugorji also acknowledged that the support and commitment of the KSM contributed significantly to the success of his leadership at the CBCN.
The day’s activities concluded with a gala night organised in honour of the Worthy Supreme Knight at Forever Hotel in New Owerri, providing an opportunity for members of the Order to interact with him ahead of the investiture ceremony.
Sir Adehi’s visit underscored his commitment to strengthening the Order’s investments, deepening collaboration with the Church hierarchy and encouraging members to play more active roles in governance and nation-building while remaining steadfast to the values of faith, discipline and service that define the Knights of St. Mulumba Nigeria.
