NAWOJ Anambra Awards Fr. Obimma 'Distinguished Charismatic Cleric' on Fathering Sunday
By Chizoba Njaka
The Anambra State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) presented the “Distinguished Charismatic Cleric” award to Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma, Parish Priest of Blessed Iwene Tansi Parish, Umudioka-Dunukofia, during a courtesy visit. The event aligned with the global Catholic Fathering Sunday celebration.
NAWOJ Chairperson Comrade Tochukwu Ifejika praised Fr. Obimma as a steadfast servant of God and humanity. She highlighted his charisma, philanthropy, and full commitment using personal resources to touch lives in a way worthy of emulation.
In his Fathering Sunday sermon on the theme “Rejected for Promotion,” Fr. Obimma outlined three pillars of fatherhood: wisdom, provision, and compassion. Wisdom brings understanding and distinction, he said, while its absence invites trouble. “Whenever you do anything, have the fear of God. Those who do so are wise.”
He urged women to prioritize inner beauty, as character trumps looks in marriage, and warned against sharing private marital issues, which harm the home. “Marriage is sacred, a lifelong commitment needing time and a strong foundation,” he emphasized. Most breakdowns stem from ignoring due process, he added, calling for patience and perseverance. “A surviving man stays steadfast, undistracted; the wise evade disgrace.”
On provision, Fr. Obimma stressed fathers' duty to protect homes and sacrifice for families, criticizing indifference to wives' wealth sources. “A father must protect his wife; failure means you don't deserve the title. Lazy men face poverty total failure in responsibility,” he declared. He cautioned women against teaching children to lie, with lasting repercussions, and advised men to support wives for household harmony.
Thanking God for parishioners' lives, he urged faithfulness and charged men to lead compassionately, drop grudges, and fulfill family duties. He also commended the members of NAWOJ for the honour bestowed upon him, and offered prayers for divine enablement and wisdom for the association to attain greater heights.