NEWS
Aba South Mayor, Obilor Anyanwu Marks Synod Thanksgiving, Visits Fire Victims in Eziukwu Aba.
The Mayor of Aba South Local Government Area, Hon. Obialor Denis Anyanwu, on Sunday, September 6, 2026, demonstrated his commitment to both faith and community welfare as he participated in the grand Thanksgiving Service marking the conclusion of the 3rd Session of the 18th Synod of the Diocese of Aba, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, before visiting victims of a devastating fire incident in Eziukwu Aba.
The Synod, which provides a formal platform for church authorities to deliberate and make decisions on matters relating to doctrine, administration and discipline, came to a close with a colourful Thanksgiving Service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Abayi Ariaria.
The service was officiated by the Bishop of the Diocese of Aba, Anglican Communion, His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Christian Ugwuzor, alongside other priests of the Diocese, who appeared in their colourful ecclesiastical vestments.
The atmosphere was filled with worship, reflection and thanksgiving as clergy and congregants celebrated the successful conclusion of the Synod and offered prayers for the continued growth of the Diocese.
Mayor Anyanwu’s participation further reflected his support for the Christian faith and highlighted the cordial relationship between the local government administration and religious institutions in promoting peace, morality, unity and community development.
Delivering the homily, the Bishop of the Diocese of Ogorimagongo, His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Festus Odutan Davis, urged Christians to make gratitude an integral part of their daily lives.
Drawing from Luke 17:11-19, the Bishop reflected on the biblical account of the ten lepers who were healed by Jesus Christ, noting that although all ten received healing, only one returned to give thanks. He highlighted the gratitude demonstrated by the Samaritan and used the account to emphasize the importance of recognizing and appreciating God’s goodness.
The Thanksgiving Service ended with prayers for the Diocese, the nation, government leaders and the wellbeing of the people.
Shortly after the church service, Mayor Anyanwu turned his attention to another pressing community concern, paying a sympathy visit to families affected by a fire outbreak at Ogui Street, by Nkwoha in the Eziukwu Aba Community.
The inferno gutted a building and displaced the affected families, leaving them without shelter and with significant losses. The Mayor visited the scene to assess the extent of the damage, sympathize with the victims and reassure them of the government’s willingness to support them through the difficult period.
During the visit, Hon. Anyanwu commended personnel of the Fire Service for their prompt and professional intervention, noting that their swift response helped prevent the inferno from spreading to surrounding properties despite the difficult location and access challenges.
He expressed gratitude to God that no lives were lost in the incident, while encouraging the victims not to lose hope in the face of the devastating setback.
The Mayor also assured the affected families that their plight had been noted and that the local government would explore appropriate avenues of assistance to help them recover and begin rebuilding their lives.
Speaking on behalf of the victims, Mr. Linus Okorie appealed for urgent government intervention, explaining that the fire had destroyed properties and possessions accumulated through years of hard work. He called for assistance to enable the affected families regain stability and rebuild their homes.
The Mayor was accompanied during the visit by the Councillor representing Eziukwu Ward 1 in the Aba South Legislative Council, Hon. Kingsley Nwachukwu.
Nwachukwu reaffirmed the council’s commitment to the welfare of the victims and assured them that their situation would receive necessary attention.
The visit concluded with prayers for the affected families and an assessment of the damaged area to provide a basis for determining further government intervention.
The two engagements underscored the Mayor’s focus on both community values and responsive grassroots leadership, as he moved from a service of thanksgiving and spiritual reflection to offering solidarity to residents
facing a sudden and painful loss.