Orjiako, pioneer chair of Seplat Energy, admitted into Knights of St. John International

The Knights of St. John International (KSJI), a religious organisation, has admitted four new members — including A.B.C. Orjiako, pioneer chairman of Seplat Energy — into its fold.

According to a statement on Tuesday by Chris Umogbai, director of media and publicity of the organisation, other new members are Ikpehai Arumemi, Eze Okoro, and Ken Onwuliri.

The Knights of St. John International is a family apostolate charged with the defence of the Roman Catholic faith and has had its roots in Nigeria since 1976.

Speaking during the ceremony, Anselm Okafor, KSJI supreme second vice-president, said the organisation’s focus remains propagation of the Catholic faith.

“The Knights of St. John International continue to witness their faith in God, through Jesus Christ, in their daily works of charity in the church, their community, and their commandery,” Okafor said.

“In service to the mother church, the men of the Knights of St. John International have a framework that is strengthened through shared service, sacrifice, and a sense of duty and honour.”

Remy Uche, national president of KSJI in Nigeria, said knights, through the actions of their members, represent the theological virtues of the Roman Catholic faith.

Uche said the members achieved this by becoming beacons of truth in their communities, adding that the order promotes love and enhances the spiritual and material interest of the Roman Catholic Church.

“As members of the Knights of St. John International, the foremost principle of our order is charity, the greatest of all virtues, and the crowning glory of a Christian life,” he said.

“Charity is that priceless gift placed by God in the human soul to measure man’s allegiance to his Creator. Charity is a duty, not a courtesy. It is an obligation imposed by heaven upon rich and poor alike.”

He added that every knight must be an ideal role model of the Catholic faith.