Cardinal Okpaleke Blesses, Commissions Assumption Water Table Water Factory

The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, recorded another significant milestone in its commitment to quality service and sustainable development as the Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, His Eminence, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, blessed and commissioned the new Assumption Water Table Water Factory of Assumption Water Nigeria Limited.

The commissioning ceremony, held at the company's premises in Nnewi, drew a distinguished gathering of Catholic bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful. Among those in attendance were Bishops Callistus Onaga, Ernest Obodo, Denis Isizoh, Godfrey Onah and Paulinus Ezeokafor. Also present were the Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, Msgr. Patrick Ezeobata, the Chancellor of the Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Raphael Ezeogu, other priests, and numerous well-wishers.

In his exhortation before the blessing, Cardinal Okpaleke commended the visionary leadership of the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye, for his commitment to initiatives that promote both evangelisation and human development. He described the establishment of the table water factory as another remarkable achievement for the Diocese and encouraged the management to sustain the high standards of quality and excellence for which Assumption Water has become renowned within and beyond Nnewi.

The Cardinal specifically charged the Manager of Assumption Water,  Fr. Chiemerie Chukwunyere, and members of staff to remain diligent, disciplined and committed to their responsibilities, stressing that consistency in quality and integrity would ensure the continued growth and reputation of the organisation.

Reflecting on the spiritual significance of water, Cardinal Okpaleke described it as both the source of physical life and a powerful symbol of God's grace in the Church's evangelising mission. He prayed for God's continued protection, good health, peace and abundant blessings upon Bishop Okoye, the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi and everyone associated with the enterprise.

The official opening of the facility was marked by the ceremonial cutting of the tape by the Chairman of the Nnewi Diocesan Pastoral Council, Chief Patrick Ubajaka, who expressed profound gratitude to God for the successful completion of the project. He congratulated Bishop Okoye on what he described as another landmark achievement in the Diocese's journey of growth and self-reliance.

Chief Ubajaka also thanked Cardinal Okpaleke for graciously blessing and commissioning the factory and expressed appreciation to the visiting bishops and other guests for identifying with the Diocese during the historic occasion.

In his remarks, the Manager of Assumption Water, Fr. Chiemerie Chukwunyere, thanked Cardinal Okpaleke for blessing and commissioning the new facility. He also expressed profound appreciation to Bishop Jonas Benson Okoye for his unwavering support, encouragement and confidence in the management of the company.

Fr. Chukwunyere disclosed that the expansion into table water production was inspired by the growing demand for high-quality, hygienically packaged drinking water and the desire to extend the company's culture of excellence to more communities. He reaffirmed the company's commitment to maintaining the highest standards in production and customer service while revealing plans to expand distribution beyond Nnewi Local Government Area to other towns and communities across the region.

Speaking with The Christian Outlook after the ceremony, Fr. Chukwunyere reiterated that Assumption Water would continue to prioritise quality, efficiency and customer satisfaction in all its operations, expressing confidence that the new factory would further strengthen the company's contribution to the mission of the Church and the socio-economic development of society.