By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
Prior to the emergence of the Knights of St Mulumba (KSM) in Nigeria, the Catholic Church was faced with myriads harmful practices done by many secret societies which were inimical to the growth of the new faith introduced by the missionaries.
In order to stem the tide and arrest the negative influence those harmful secret groups had on the faithful, the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria met and appointed a monk and priest, late Father Abraham Ojefua who founded the Order of the Knights of St Mulumba in 1953.
These revelations are contained in book titled: The Quintessential Knight authored by Sir Greg Azubuike, the Grand Knight of the Knights of St Mulumba, Wuse Sub Council, and Coordinating Grand Knight, Abuja Zone 1. Azubuike, a lawyer is Head of Legal Department of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
According to reports, aims and objectives for establishing the KSM include, “to bring Catholics together in a fraternal association for the good and progress of the church, welfare of its clergy, wellbeing of members of the Order in particular and Nigeria in general”.
Speaking at the public presentation of the book in Abuja on Tuesday, the chairman of the occasion, Sir (Dr) Frank Odafen commended the author for venturing into book writing given the poor reading culture of Nigerians.
The chairman who is the Deputy Grand Knight of KSM, Abuja Metropolitan Council said after reading through the 103-page book with nine chapters, described Azubuike as a good story teller given his style of presentation.
While reviewing the book, Sir (Dr) Kevin Ike said “The Quintessential Knight” in the opening chapter espoused the traditional concept that pervaded the traditional communities and how the tradition even in its archaic and primitive form was revered and religiously adhered to as a way of life.
The reviewer, a director with the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, said the book dwelt extensively on the Catholic Knighthood which was established for members bound by oaths and obligations to perform certain roles or functions.
“The lesson for us modern Knights is to know that the day we lose our faith, focus and vigilance as Knights of the Holy Catholic Church, that same day the Catholic Church will lose its energy. The Quintessential Knights encapsulate humanity and general sincere love of God”, he added.
According to him, the book’s lesson for younger Knights is “when you really allow God to decide for you, He will provide for you. You don’t have to fight or lobby for anything; He will lead you beside still water”.
Personalities present at the well-attended book launch included the Auxilliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Most Rev Anselm Umoren; former Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu; Metro and Sub Council Grand Knights, as well members of the public and business community.