Honour and celebration marked Mothering Sunday at St. Mulumba Chaplaincy, UNEC, as Prof. Joy Ezeilo received the prestigious Platinum Mother award for her lifelong service to women, children and humanity.
ENUGU, Nigeria – Atmosphere of honour and gratitude defined this year’s Mothering Sunday celebration at St. Mulumba Chaplaincy, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC), as Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo was conferred with the prestigious “Platinum Mother” award.
The April 19, 2026 event, organised by the Chaplaincy in collaboration with the St. Anne Catholic Women’s Organisation (CWO), attracted worshippers, dignitaries and invited guests who gathered for the 8:30 a.m. Mass at the UNEC chapel.
The celebration moved beyond routine observance, becoming a symbolic recognition of womanhood, sacrifice and lasting societal impact.
Prof. Ezeilo, a former United Nations Special Rapporteur and globally recognised human rights advocate, was celebrated for decades of service in advancing the rights of women, children and vulnerable persons.
Presiding over the Mass, Chaplain Fr. Ikechukwu Odigbo delivered a homily on the spiritual and practical value of motherhood, describing mothers as the “fertile soil” through which life is nurtured and sustained.
He said motherhood remains a divine vocation rooted in sacrifice, beauty and unwavering commitment, adding that society would struggle without the stabilising influence of women.
Fr. Odigbo also acknowledged the often unseen burdens mothers carry within homes and communities, praising their resilience and ability to manage scarce resources while sustaining their families.
He urged women to remain steadfast in faith, assuring them that their sacrifices are recognised and rewarded by God.
The selection of Prof. Ezeilo as Guest of Honour reflected her longstanding advocacy through the Women’s Aid Collective (WACOL), an organisation she founded to provide legal support and protection for vulnerable individuals.
In a tribute, the chaplain described her contributions as transformative, noting that WACOL has become a refuge for victims of abuse and injustice while influencing broader legal and social reforms in Nigeria.
After the Mass, the celebration continued with a reception at the chaplaincy grounds, where groups presented gifts and goodwill messages to mothers in appreciation of their enduring role in family and faith life.
Members of the Catholic Men’s Organisation (CMO) and the Nigerian Federation of Catholic Students (NFCS) also joined in the festivities, reflecting a shared culture of gratitude and respect across generations.
The high point of the event was the conferment of the “Platinum Mother” title on Prof. Ezeilo, alongside a commemorative presentation by the CWO in recognition of her exceptional influence and lifelong humanitarian service.
Responding, Prof. Ezeilo expressed appreciation for the honour and thanked those who accompanied her to the celebration.
She described the recognition as humbling and reaffirmed her commitment to advancing the cause of women and the vulnerable.
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