Knights of St. John International & Ladies Auxiliary
Supreme Subordinate Nigeria
PRESS RELEASE
A renowned industrialist, philanthropist, and golfer, Sir Emmanuel Ufuoma Okene KSJI, KSG, has been named the Chairman organizing Committee of the 50th anniversary of Knights of St. John International (KSJI) in Nigeria.
Rt. Hon. Chevalier Emmanuel Okene KSG, who has been honoured by the Holy Father, Pope Francis, with the Papal Knighthood of St. Gregory the Great, was recently named the Chairman of the anniversary planning Committee by the National President of KSJI, Sir (Professor) Remy Uche.
In a statement on behalf of the Order, its National Secretary, Sir Cletus Ntong, said that, other members of the anniversary Committee include; Sir Chris Umogbai, Sir Samuel Umohandikan, Sir A. K Peters, Sir Peter Osamgbi, Lady Nonye Okafor, Lady Gloria Patrick-Ferife, Lady Perpetua Uhomoibhi, Lady Chinyere Ufere, and Lady Justina Nwankwo.
The Committee’s terms of reference are; to deliver a remarkable 50 years anniversary, carryout events and activities which are to be held on province basis, reward members who have excelled in their various professions, and organize a grand finale for the anniversary.
In his acceptance message, Sir Okene commended the leadership of the Order in Nigeria, for finding him worthy to head such a historic Committee, assuring that his led Committee will deploy its time, talent and treasure in ensuring a memorable 50th anniversary celebration. Speaking further, Sir Okene said “This celebration is a one-year long activity, which will encompass variety of activities, to include; evangelization, catechesis, awards, concerts, colloquium, charity, pilgrimage, road walk, among others.
KSJI is a Catholic fraternal organization in the Roman Catholic Church; incorporated in New York, United States of America on May 6, 1886. The Order was given approval by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria to operate in Nigeria in 1976. However, KSJI had begun to make remarkable inroads in Nigeria in 1975. It now exists in all the Catholic Dioceses in Nigeria, under the supervision of the CBCN, mainly to propagate and defend the Christian faith as presented by the Catholic Church. The Order has a robust membership of over 18,000 Knights and their Ladies in Nigeria. It exists in the USA, England, Germany, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, as well as in other African countries like, Kenya, Ghana, Togo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, among others.
Sir Cletus Ntong
Supreme Subordinate Secretary