The Choice Flame Newspaper: May we get to know you, sir?
Engr. Ferdinand Ezeoha: My name is Engr. Ferdinand Onuora Ezeoha. I am a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management and Leadership. I am from Neke Oghe, as you can obviously see.
The Choice Flame: We were told that you started this church from scratch. Is that correct?
Engr. Ezeoha: Yes, that is true. It all started in 2011 when I acquired some plots of land through my late father. After purchasing the land, I handed it over to Rev. Fr. Chidi Nwogbu, who was then the parish priest. Construction began and continued steadily. When Fr. Chidi was transferred, Rev. Fr. Ifeonu Paul took over. After Fr. Ifeonu left, Rev. Fr. Nwatu assumed responsibility, and it was under his supervision that the church was completed about two years ago.
However, we could not have the dedication last year because we were unable to secure a date in December. I had insisted that the dedication should take place in December because that is usually when I return home for Christmas, and many people from my hometown, Neke Oghe, also come home during that period. To the glory of God, this year we were able to obtain a date from the bishop.
The Choice Flame: Can you tell us your motivation—what inspired you to build a church for your people?
Engr. Ezeoha: What inspired me, actually, was a long-standing desire to provide a dwelling place for our Lord. Initially, my intention was to build a chapel—a place for the Blessed Sacrament—within an existing church. However, one day when I came home, my wife told me she had a vision in which the Lord instructed her that we needed to build a church for Him.
I asked her how, because that had never been my intention, and at the time, I did not have the money. In fact, there was never a time when the money simply became available at once; the project took several years. But I told myself that if this was truly God’s will, then we would do it. With that conviction, I bought the land and we began. Gradually, step by step, here we are today.
The Choice Flame: These days, many young people are returning to neo-paganism. What advice do you have for the young people of Neke?
Engr. Ezeoha: The truth is that there is a clear difference between omenaala (tradition) and what they are currently practicing. Omenaala does not permit nso-ala—that is, taboos or sacrileges. It upholds what is right. Unfortunately, many people have misunderstood it and have drifted into idolatry and fetish practices in the name of omenaala.
What they are practicing is not tradition; it is idolatry. I advise them to understand that there is no place where one can find truth, love, and light except in the Lord Jesus Christ. They should return and embrace God. Whatever they are seeking can be found in the Blessed Sacrament. What is required is a prayerful life.
We are all sinners, but we must ask for God’s forgiveness. When we do so sincerely and continue to struggle in faith, running the race steadfastly, we hope that on the last day we will be with the saints in heaven, glorifying God. I therefore urge them to return to God. What they are doing now is a complete deviation. But I believe that by God’s grace and through prayers, they will come back.
The Choice Flame: (Cuts in) With this church too, will they come back?
Engr. Ezeoha: (Laughs) They will definitely come back. This is a place for them. As the bishop said today, this is the road to heaven. That is the essence of this place. There is no other route to heaven except through here.
The Choice Flame: Thank you very much, sir, and may God bless you.
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