BY JOSEPH ODOEKWU
The Catholic Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Owerri, His Grace Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, has described the water factory established by the Owerri Metropolitan Council of the Knights of St. Mulumba as “the most modernized water factory I have ever seen.”
Archbishop Ugorji made the remark on Saturday, August 9, 2025, during the commissioning of the multi-million naira facility located in Obinze, Owerri.
Visibly impressed by the modern equipment and facilities, he praised the Order for embarking on what he called a laudable and faith-inspired project.
“I want to commend the Knights of St. Mulumba for this initiative, which I see as inspired by the Biblical injunction of giving water to the thirsty,” he said. “Providing water is one of the corporal works of mercy, and in a country where potable water is no longer readily available, this project is a sure remedy—especially for those coming into Owerri. I urge you to maintain the legacy of providing clean water as it will uphold the image of the factory.”
The Archbishop also highlighted the project’s economic benefits, particularly its potential to create employment.
“This initiative will provide job opportunities for qualified persons in Owerri and beyond. Those who have the privilege of working here must make judicious use of it to justify their employment,” he added.
While commenting on the project, the Metro Grand Knight of the Owerri Metropolitan Council, Sir Eva Njemanze, told our correspondent that plans are underway to boost production capacity to meet increasing demand.
“What we currently produce is not even meeting the orders from our members,” he explained. “We have the equipment to cater for Owerri and beyond, so we are working to expand production of Aura Gold water, our table water brand.”
Sir Njemanze noted that the project began in 2019 but was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. It was completed in 2021 and has since met all regulatory standards, reaffirming the Order’s commitment to ensuring the availability of safe, potable water
