The Catholic Men Organisation (CMO) of Assumpta Maria Cathedral Parish, Owerri, has honoured Mazi Chima Mathew Amadi, PhD, with an Award of Excellence for his sustained contributions to the Church and wider society.

The recognition, which took place on Saturday, 7 June 2025, during a special dinner with the Metropolitan Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, saw Amadi decorated with the title “Dike Oha N’ime Kristi”, meaning “Hero of the People in Christ”.

The award acknowledges Amadi’s N20 million donation towards ongoing Church projects, as well as his broader humanitarian and development-focused interventions. The ceremony also served as a platform to reflect on values of service, civic responsibility, and the role of faith in social development.

Presenting the award, the Cathedral Administrator, Rev. Fr. Dr Martin-Edward Ohajunwa, commended Amadi’s consistent support for both the Church and his local community. “His leadership embodies compassion, integrity, and service,” Fr. Ohajunwa said. “This honour is not just for what he gives, but how he lives.”

The CMO President, Dr Alphonsus U.C. Ukozor, described Amadi as “a champion of the poor” whose philanthropic efforts have brought tangible impact to many across Imo State and beyond.

In a keynote address titled “My Message to the Church: A Solemn Treatise on the Responsibilities of Man to Society,” Amadi attributed his humanitarian ethos to his Christian upbringing and the influence of mentors and community role models. He urged a return to public service principles rooted in compassion, knowledge, and strategic thinking.

On security, Amadi advocated a more community-led model of counterintelligence, calling on citizens to play active roles in safeguarding their environments. He also called for reforms within the civil service, stressing the need for “productive freedom” over punitive restructuring.

Turning to education, Amadi raised concerns about the declining state of public education in Imo State. He proposed a state of emergency on education and called on the government and civil society to prioritise systemic reforms at all levels.

“Education is not a luxury. It is the engine of progress. We must act now to save our future,” he said.

Amadi’s N20 million donation is expected to support the completion of key Church infrastructure and social programmes.

As the event concluded, attendees praised the honouree for linking personal success with public good — a message echoed throughout the evening by clergy, community leaders, and civil society figures present.