By Ingram Osigwe
On Saturday, December 20, 2025, Ijele Akokwa and Chairman Orange group, Sir Tony Ezenna hosted Abbot General of the order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, Dom Bernardus Peeters at his Ikoyi, Lagos residence.
The Abbot General is the person in charge of all Catholic Monasteries all over the world. The Abbot General’s visit to Sir Ezenna was part of his farewell activities after weeks in Nigeria during which he visited Catholic Monasteries around the country.
His visit to Nigeria Dm offered Bernardus Peeters the opportunity to consecrate the Porta-CAELI Cistercial Monastery Akokwa, which Sir Ezenna built to fulfil the puritanical, spiritual and oblate desires of his late mother, Ezinne Comfort Ezenna.
Sir Tony Ezenna alongside his wife, Lady Lizzy Ezenna, son Ugochukwu Ezenna; sisters Mrs Georglyn Chinwe and Barrister (Mrs) Mgbemena were all on hand to receive and give the Abbot General a warm welcome.
The evening event which was anchored by Dan Ngere, a businessman and sports administrator who was also the President of Athletic Federation of Nigeria, AFN had in attendance many associates and friends of Sir Tony Ezenna including former Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN Deputy Governor, Mr Ernest Ebi, CEO of Swift Networks, Chief Charles Anudu, CEO, Julian Luxury, Mr Julian Osula, CEO of Neros Pharmaceutical Ltd, Prof Poly Emenike, CEO of Embassy Pharmaceuticals, Pharm Nnamdi Obi, Chairman Mainland oil, Chairman Legacy Autos Ltd, Chief Okey Ezeibe, Chief Chris Igwe, Chief Chika Ukaigwe, Steel Magnet, Chief Ifeanyi Okpara, Chief Emeka Uzeto, CEO De Heaven Hotels & suites, Chief Chijioke Awalite, CEO of Panda Hotels & Suites, Chief Willie Obi, CEO, Koil Pharmcy, Chief Luke Okeke, Chief Joe Otiora, CEO, Stephenson Standard, Chief Stephenson Mbajiekwe, legal luminary, Barr Okey Muomalu and many others.
On a Joyous note, the Abbot-General shared pleasant memories of his visit to Nigeria and promised to reciprocate the gesture by inviting IJELE Akokwa and friends over to Rome.
– Osigwe, a public engagement and strategic communication expert, lives in Lagos
