By Omenihu Alfred fibmn
The National Chaplain of MOD, Nigeria Very Rev. Fr (MOD) General Celestine Ejike Aniofor has charged the entire members of Man of Order and Discipline Movement of Nigeria (MOD) to remain steadfast and committed to the vision of the movement at the opening Mass for the National Security Summit at the chapel of Cardinal Ekandem Seminary, Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo, AkwaIbom state.
In his words, the National Chaplain said, ” this is a thanksgiving mass for safe trip of all delegates to this all important security Summit. Let’s consider our journey in MOD as sacrifices as soldiers of the cross. Let us continue to ask God’s grace to be the best of what we wish to be and success of the Security summit”
Furthermore, he appealed to all the delegates to bear all the inconveniences at the camp in the spirit of whom we are. ” We have one mind guiding us to one destination hence anyone who cannot bear with us is not worthy of being among us. Above all let’s continue to pray for the delegates who had accident and are hospitalized for quick recovery”
In the spirit of oneness the MOD members came out in their good numbers to donate generously for the upkeep of the hospitalized delegates.
Welcoming the delegates on behalf of the chief Host of the Security Summit, His Lordship Most Rev John Ebebe Ayah, the Bishop of Uyo Diocese and Grand Patron of MOD Nigeria, Rev Fr MOD Major General Andyinyene Paulinus, Uyo DMC Chaplain, apologized for the little delay of the mass and technical hitches experienced at the camp. He appealed to the delegates to bear with them and look ahead for a successful National Security Summit.
In his homely, the homilist, Rev Fr MOD Major General Sylvanus Ameh, Ph.D, National Chaplain Secretary, MOD Nigeria Chaplain DSVSS, thanked God for gathering the delegates for the National Security Summit. He noted that the reason many people will not make heaven is because of the good things that God has bestowed on them. And the good things have made them not to have time for God. “Definitely, such people have already missed the mark” he observed.
Be it as it may, hundreds of Catholic MOD officers, Patrons, and chaplains from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory have converged in Uyo from 19th to 23rd of August as the Man of Order and Discipline (MOD) Movement of Nigeria to officially kick off its highly anticipated National Security Summit Camping Conference.
The host city is currently buzzing with delegates from state commands and regional directorates. The Holy Mass marks the beginning of a multi-intensive programme dedicated to spiritual formation, leadership development, and the paramilitary drills and security conscious knowledge that have defined the formation since its founding in 1983.
According to the National President MOD Gen Sir Amb. Matthew Onyemauwa Nwaeze at the end of the summit the MOD movement will be more equiped, strengthened, informed and knowledgeable to face their duties which is rooted in the movement’s core aims of protecting the Church, maintaining order, and fostering youth discipline etc.
In his words Gen Nwaeze, noted thus, “this year’s national gathering serves as a vital platform for members to unite under their guiding motto: “Faith in Charity and Good Conscience.”
The national camp is designed to perfectly balance rigorous physical training with deep spiritual engagement. Over the coming days, delegates will participate in:
– Ceremonial Parades and Drills: Showcasing the paramilitary precision, fitness, and unity the movement is renowned for nationwide.
– Spiritual Retreats and Holy Mass: Reaffirming MOD’s foundational duties to guard the Blessed Sacrament, maintain reverence, and serve the Church with integrity.
– Capacity Building Workshops: Expert-led sessions focusing on modern security awareness, crowd control, conflict resolution, and career development for the youth.
– Cultural Exchange and Networking: Fostering brotherhood and celebrating Nigeria’s rich “unity in diversity” as members from different ethnic and regional backgrounds interact.
He therefore charged everyone to participate actively noting that truants and delinquents will be dealt with.
