Emah, Unilorin Catholic Cleric, marks 10 years of Priesthood

By Isaac Lewu

The Chaplain of the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Chaplaincy (STACC), University of Ilorin, Rev. Fr Celestine Emah, has marked the 10th anniversary of his priesthood.

Speaking at the Thanksgiving Mass to mark the occasion penultimate Sunday (July 26, 2026), the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ilorin, Most Rev. Anselm Pendo Lawani, charged priests to remain steadfast in their vocation by focusing on eternal rewards rather than worldly success, stressing that they are called to serve God faithfully because true success belongs to Him.

The cleric urged the celebrant to keep his eyes fixed on eternity, noting that the priestly vocation is one of selfless service, sacrifice and total commitment to God’s work.

Most Rev. Lawani explained that every act of generosity offered in the service of God is continuous and would certainly receive divine reward at the appropriate time. He,therefore, encouraged the faithful to continue supporting priests in their mission, adding that genuine happiness is found in contentment, generosity and giving oneself for the good of others.

The Bishop also called for more courageous men to respond positively to priesthood, urging young people not to be afraid of embracing the vocation. He thanked God for choosing, sustaining and strengthening Rev. Fr. Emah throughout the past decade, while appreciating his parents, family, spiritual mentors, brother priests and everyone who had contributed to his journey in the priesthood. He described the priesthood as one of God’s perfect gifts deserving of gratitude and faithful stewardship.

Speaking on behalf of the Church Council, the Chairman of STACC Prof. Lemuel Odeh, described Rev. Fr. Emah’s 10 years of priestly ministry as a blessing to the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Chaplaincy, noting that his commitment to the service of God and humanity has inspired the faithful and strengthened the spiritual life of the community.

Prof. Odeh commended the priest’s humility, dedication and selfless service, saying that his faithful celebration of the Holy Eucharist, compassionate pastoral care and inspiring homilies have continued to nurture unity, spiritual growth and a deeper commitment to Christian values within the Chaplaincy.

The renowned hstorian prayed that God would grant the celebrant greater wisdom, good health and renewed strength for greater service in His vineyard, while expressing confidence that his priestly ministry would continue to bear abundant fruits for the Church and humanity.

In his remarks, the President of the STACC Alumni Association, Mr Adedeji Anthony Tolulope, described the 10th priestly anniversary as a celebration of unwavering faith, selfless service and dedication to God’s vineyard.

He commended the celebrant’s exemplary leadership and commitment to nurturing the spiritual growth of God’s people over the past decade.

Mr Tolulope prayed that God would continue to strengthen the priest with wisdom, good health and greater grace for more fruitful service, while urging him to remain steadfast in his sacred calling for the benefit of the Church and humanity.

Speaking on the significance of the milestone, the celebrant, Rev. Fr. Celestine Emah, C.S.Sp., described his 10th anniversary in the priesthood as a moment of gratitude and sober reflection.

He attributed his journey entirely to God’s sustaining grace, noting that remaining faithful in the vocation was not by personal merit but by divine mercy. He added that each anniversary offers him an opportunity to assess his ministry, reflect on past experiences and identify areas for personal and spiritual growth.

Rev. Fr. Emah expressed appreciation to God for the gift of life and the privilege of serving His Church over the past decade, assuring the faithful of his commitment to continue giving his best in the service of God and humanity. He prayed for greater grace to remain steadfast in his calling and to serve with renewed dedication in the years ahead.

The celebrant also advised young people aspiring to the priesthood to ensure that their motivation is rooted in genuine love for God and a desire to serve His people rather than worldly ambition.

Describing the priesthood as a life of sacrifice, Rev. Fr. Emah urged intending seminarians to shun materialism and embrace the selfless spirit required for faithful and fruitful priestly ministry.

Also in attendance were  Prof. Uche Basil Eke, Prof. Peter Folorunsho Adebayo, Prof. Felix Takim, family members of the celebrant, friends and well wishers.