From David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
Flags of the Man of Order and Discipline Nigeria (MOD) are flown at half-mast nationwide every January 25 to mark the death of its father founder, the late Very Rev Msgr Okey Achebe, who passed away precisely on January 25, 1997.
He was reported to have died in a ghastly motor accident on his way to deliver a talk on formation at the symposium organised at St Paul’s Junior Seminary Ukpor, Anambra State.
For the past twenty-six years, the Church and MOD Nigeria have continued to remember the teacher and Christian literary juggernaut.
Achebe’s sudden death was a blow for MOD Nigeria, the organisation saying it is yet to find a replica of what Achebe stood for: his mission and vision, his dexterity, matured ways of dealing with members, his philanthropy, good human relations, spiritual soundness, and every other good attribute of his.
Those are a few of the reasons his members gather annually at the priest’s cemetery located at The Basilica of The Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha, Anambra State every January 25 to celebrate his heroic transition and pray for his soul to continually rest in peace.
The deceased priest was born on January 7, 1943, at Abatete, Idemili North LGA, Anambra of State. He was ordained a Catholic priest on March 29, 1969, by Bishop Joseph Hasler, Bishop of St Gallen at Altsatten SG Switzerland.
This priest with extraordinary qualities is celebrated by legions of his members including Lt Col in the MOD, Macben Iwegbunam, Chairman, DMC.
Lt Col Iwegbunam said: “I feel highly privileged to be a member of the Man Of Order And Discipline (MOD) Movement, Nigeria. It calls for total reflection especially as we celebrate a great visioner and philosopher, a writer per excellence, a disciplinarian to the core, a great pastor and teacher, the founder of the most populous voluntary uniformed organization in the Catholic Church, our most cherished Father Founder, late Very Rev Msgr Okey Patrick Achebe.
“At a period like this, it shall be proper to trace our genesis by reexamining our aims, objectives and duties, modus operandi, action and inactions, with the intention to reposition ourselves for better.
“The success of MOD depends largely on how informed the members are and their willingness to adhere to the norms and standards of the organization they found themselves. There is a need for us to ask ourselves some pertinent questions bordering on our conduct, actions and inactions. We should ex-ray our engagements, achievements, problems and challenges; reposition ourselves for the enormous task ahead
“Today, we are privileged to be united in this big family called MOD. We are all labourers on this big farm acquired by Very Rev Msgr OP Achebe in 1983 (40 yrs ago).
“The history of MOD Nigeria can be traced to 1983 when the Movement made its first outing at Shanahan hall during the Onitsha Young Catholic Association (ONYCAS) Convention. This outing marked the beginning of the most organized and populous lay apostolate Movement in Nigeria, a movement founded by a Catholic Priest from Abatete in Idemili LGA of Anambra State. He was a disciplinarian to the core, a linguist, creative writer and founder of the Gallus Caritas Centre. He also doubled as the former Chancellor and special adviser to the late Archbishop Ezeanya of Onitsha Archdiocese.
“Our father founder bagged his Doctorate Degree in 1972, had pastoral experiences in Austria, France, Germany, and Switzerland. He held over twenty-nine (29) prominent offices and service ministries in the Church between 1972 to 1997. He published over 23 books and creative works and was addressed as the doyen of evangelization and ecumenical projector of Catholicity as well as an industrious and exemplary priest.
“Late Monsignor Achebe was also the founder of the Gallus Caritas, an organisation that promotes Christian Charity, strong faith and goodness.
“He was the Rector of All Hallows Seminary Onitsha, where MOD originated (1975-1987), made a Papal Chamberlain by Pope John Paul De 11 in 1984, served as Chancellor and Secretary to late Archbishop Ezeanya of Onitsha Archdiocese from 1987-1995 and his special assistant until the Archbishop died in 1996.
“Achebe was the editor of Trinitas Newspaper and Chairman of the Pontifical Missionary Society until his death. He was highly gifted and versatile As. His hobbies include researching, peace initiatives, drama writing, directing, lawn and table tennis, ludo, writing, reading and listening to music. He spoke Igbo, English, Latin, French, German and Italian languages fluently.
“MOD Nigeria sprang up in 1983 at All Hallows Seminary Onitsha. The membership of MOD remained and revolved within the conclave of the All Hallows Seminary Onitsha between 1983 to 1984.
“The pioneer members of MOD include – Rev Frs Donald Chukwudolue, Ignatius Nwankwocha, Cosmas Ikeh, Christopher Nwobi, Jude Onyeka, Alex Umenweke, Raymond Akpanonu, Theophilus Ebuleme, Jude Ikeokwu, Comrade Placid Ughaonu, Jude Okoye, Ferdinand Odimegwu, Alex Ekeh, Innocent Egwutuorah, Martin’s Peters, just to mention but a few.
“From Comrade Placid Ughaonu (1983) to Col Alexander Chiwetalu 2019, MOD Nigeria has been consistently striving to succeed despite all odds.
“We appreciate the contributions and support of our Grand Patrons, most importantly, His Grace Most Rev Dr Valerian Okeke and other Bishops who welcomed and embraced MOD. Accept our continued service and loyalty, ” he said.
Lt Col Iwegbunam noted that perhaps MOD Nigeria would not have been where it is today without the moderation and contributions of some Chaplains whose charismatic leadership assured the tremendous progress of the Movement.
He said that some of them were great administrators, financial managers, and disciplinarians, while others severed as catalysts and ladders through which MOD transformed for the better. They include Rev Frs Francis Oborji; A Odimegwa; I Etiaba; PB Gbuzue; A Igweagu; P Nwankwo; C Ngwu; A Onyiloha; Gen A Ndukaji; Gen I Egbunike; late Lt Gen P Okeafor; Gen P Nwafor (Incumbent Chaplain General).
“We are not ignorant of the services of our amiable Chaplains across the thirty-three (33) registered DMCs nationwide. To our dogged Provincial, State, DMC, Parish and Zonal Chaplains and Officers, we are indeed proud of you all.
“The man we are celebrating, in his wisdom, outlined his intentions for establishing MOD. He also gave strict conditions to be adopted in recruiting intending members as well as the type of work they are expected to do,” Lt Col Iwegbunam said.