Family Celebrates Sir Clement Omachi’s 25th Memorial, Fr. Omachi’s 14th Priestly Anniversary

By Frederick Peters, KADUNA.

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA:: It was a double celebration of remembrance and thanksgiving as the family of the late Pa Sir Clement Bala Omachi, alongside friends and well-wishers, gathered to mark his 25th memorial anniversary, concurrently celebrating the 14th priestly ordination anniversary of his son, Rev. Fr. Arome Michael Omachi.

Speaking on his experience hosting the event and the impressive gathering of clergy, the Vicar General Administration of the Archdiocese and Parish Priest, Holy Family, Barnawa, Very Rev. Fr. Philip Gaya, expressed his delight. “It’s a pleasure,” Fr. Gaya said.

“The first time he reached out to me, he called from the US around April to say he was coming to celebrate his father’s anniversary, and I told him there was no problem.”

“I am very happy to see this array of priests in our parish. Just as His Grace wished them well, I also wish him and his family the very best. I pray that the good work he has done will continue to sustain his service to the Church,” he added.

Echoing similar sentiments, the pioneer ordained Catholic priest of the Kaduna Archdiocese, Very Rev Fr G .G. Goni, who is currently a resident priest at the Holy Family Parish, highlighted the deep bond shared among the clergy. He noted that the need to celebrate one of their own brought him and his brother priests together.

“One of our priests is celebrating a very important milestone alongside his family. As priests and laypeople, we support one another in every aspect of our lives,” he stated.

Reflecting on his own journey as the first ordained Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Kaduna in 1972, he remarked, “The journey has been very wonderful, I must tell you. But time just passes so fast—you don’t even realize it until you reach a certain milestone.”

Speaking to journalists shortly after the Thanksgiving Mass and sumptuous reception, Rev. Fr. Arome Michael Omachi, the fourth child of the late Pa Clement Omachi, shared his thoughts on his father’s enduring legacy.

“Today, we are marking the 25th memorial of the passing of our father. He enjoyed the reputation of being a good man. He was prominent for his love for family, connection, and relationships. He was a generous, humorous, and peaceful man with a wonderful disposition. So today, we are celebrating his life, times, and legacies.”

Reflecting on the emotions of the day, Fr. Omachi admitted it was a bittersweet moment. “It’s a mixture of emotions—bitterness and sadness, because on this day 25 years ago, God brought this loss upon us and we all cried. But years later, we look back in gratitude for how God has led us through the instrumentality of family members and people of goodwill. We are very grateful, and I am happy to have all of you around.”

Fr. Omachi also expressed profound fulfillment regarding his 14th priestly anniversary.

“Yes, 14 years of being a priest. I am grateful to God. God has given me a priesthood that is beautiful, and believe me, if God invites me into the priesthood in the next world, I will graciously accept. It is the best thing that has happened to me. Being a priest is a way of life for me, and I am happy.”

He continued, “I look forward to serving God’s people and inviting Him to take His place in the sacred species of bread and wine everyday to celebrate the Mass. It is a privilege for me to mount the sacred altar, to touch Jesus, to touch sacred things, and to bless people. Being a priest for 14 years today is a very precious milestone for me.” he reiterated.

In his homily, Fr. Omachi’s classmate, Rev. Fr. Augustine Ghado, urged the faithful to prioritize love and hope over grief.

“My message is: let love reign,” Fr. Ghado averred. “We must never, for any reason, allow grief to overpower and overshadow life. We must celebrate life in whatever situation we find ourselves, and this is exactly what the Omachis epitomize. It is quite encouraging and something we must all emulate.”

“We thank God for their lives and how far He has brought them. This is what this celebration is all about. When this sad event happened 25 years ago, they thought it was the end, but today shows the steadfastness of the love of God upon our lives. It is a marvel in our eyes,” he averred