The Order of Preachers, Province of St. Joseph the Worker in Nigeria and Ghana, commemorated the remarkable 50year scholarly journey of Rev. Fr. Prof. Jude O. Mbukanma, OP, with a captivating Festschrift launch held on Thursday December 19, 2024. The event began with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass at the St. Thomas Aquinas Priory Chapel in Samonda, Ibadan, drawing an audience of reverends, community members, and well-wishers who gathered to honor the esteemed scholar.
The mass was celebrated with fervent prayers and thanksgiving, recognizing Rev. Fr. Mbukanma's significant contributions to ethics and philosophy of religion during his illustrious tenure as a Dominican scholar at the Dominican University Ibadan. The atmosphere was deeply reverent, embodying the spirit of gratitude for his unwavering dedication to education and moral philosophy.
Following the mass, attendees proceeded to the Tom and Carolyn Walker Hall at the Dominican University Samonda Campus for the highly anticipated book launch of "Moral Education, Socio-Political Science & Religion in the Modern World." Edited by Frederick Ifeanyi Obananya, Stan Uchenna Ukwe, Francis Chiadi, and Ugo Aniga, the Festschrift comprises a collection of scholarly essays that reflect the immense impact Rev. Fr. Mbukanma has had on the fields of ethics and philosophy. 
During the event, Rev. Fr. Mbukanma personally signed autographs on each copy of the book for those present, which added a personal touch to the occasion and delighted attendees. The book launch featured vibrant performances by various community associations and societies, who expressed their joy through traditional dances and entertainment, further enhancing the festive atmosphere. Their lively displays celebrated not only Rev. Fr. Mbukanma's academic achievements but also showcased the rich cultural heritage of the region.
In a heartfelt interview with CEOAFRICA, Rev. Fr. Mbukanma, was visibly moved by the outpouring of love and support, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to the celebration expressed his gratitude and joy as he celebrated 50 years of dedicated service as a scholar in the Dominican Order. "This is not just a milestone for me; it is a testament to the power of community and the importance of sharing knowledge, he remarked, “I feel great to be alive and to be celebrated for my work, he shared. “In our society, we often have elaborate customs for honoring the dead, but to celebrate the living is truly unique. I am thankful to witness this milestone.”
Rev. Mbukanma’s journey into scholarship was sparked during the 1960s, when he was a member of the Legion of Mary. He recounted how, during house-to-house evangelism, Jehovah’s Witnesses would challenge the Catholic doctrine by asking whether the teachings were rooted in the Bible. Inspired by these encounters, he committed himself to providing robust answers. This resolve led him to join the Dominican Order, where he wrote extensively on the subject.  His pivotal work, was written in 1970 and published in 1976, aimed to affirm that Catholic teachings are indeed grounded in Scripture.
When asked about his message for the younger generation, Rev. Mbukanma emphasized the importance of discipline. “The kind of life we are called to live—both spiritually and physically—requires strict discipline. Young people must live distinctively from the world around them,” he advised. He warned them to be vigilant and to create distance from distractions that can hinder their growth, identifying the three major enemies of progress: the world, the flesh, and the devil. “To be victorious, they must actively combat these challenges,” he asserted.
In this honorary event, Rev. Prof. Jude O. Mbukanma, community leaders gathered to celebrate his remarkable 50years as a Dominican scholar. Mr. Christopher, President of the Wopano Youth Association, spoke candidly about Rev. Mbukanma’s character and values, stating, “He is a humble man who believes in culture. He emphasizes that there is a culture even within the church.” 
Mrs. Teresa Okoh, the Vice President of the Utu-Ezendu Society, echoed this sentiment, expressing the collective appreciation for Rev. Mbukanma’s contributions. “We are here to celebrate Professor Mbukanma because our President is a member of Rev. Jude’s mass. As he marks this significant milestone, we wish him good luck, continued progress, and long life to write more books,” she said, highlighting the importance of his scholarly work.
Rev. Father Frederick Ifeanyi Obananya, the chief-editor of the book dedicated to Rev. Mbukanma, shared the rationale behind this literary tribute. “The aim is to celebrate Prof. Jude Mbukanma for his balanced spirituality and dedication to study, which embodies our Dominican way of life. This celebration honors the gift of human intellect and acknowledges his 50years of service as a Dominican scholar,” he noted.
Father Obananya reflected on the profound influence Rev. Mbukanma has had on his life, saying, “I find in him a mentor. His ability to balance prayer and study is something I admire greatly. His academic pursuits enrich his spiritual life and vice versa.” He expressed his gratitude for being part of this significant occasion and highlighted its importance in recognizing Rev. Mbukanma’s legacy.
 In a heartfelt dedication to academic excellence, Rev. Francis Chiadi, a Dominican priest and one of the editors of the published tribute, expressed the motivation behind celebrating the remarkable contributions of scholars in Nigeria. At the launch event, Rev. Chiadi shared, “Our goal in writing this book is to celebrate excellence. We assembled the editorial team to honor scholars within the Dominican community, particularly focusing on Rev. Jude, as 50years is a significant milestone worth celebrating.”
Rev. Jude, whose extensive work spans theology, philosophy, mythic studies, charismatic systems, science, logic, epistemology, and phenomenology, provided the inspiration for this literary homage. “He believes that the only way to make your speech permanent is through publication. Writing has a unique way of immortalizing thoughts, which is why we crafted this article reflecting his interests and contributions,” added Rev. Chiadi.
Simplicity emerged as one of the key lessons from Rev. Jude, embodying the Dominican spirit of humility. “We imitate him as Dominicans who strive to follow Christ. If there’s an area where he could improve, we are open and willing to help him recognize it, and he welcomes constructive feedback,” stated Rev. Chiadi. 
He emphasized the importance of immortalizing scholars' work through writing, and praised Rev. Jude for his humility and willingness to accept edits and feedback on his work. The team is now considering who will be the next scholar to be honored, with criteria including age, contribution to academia, and societal honorability. The goal of the project is to celebrate and recognize scholars who have made a lasting impact on their fields.
The event successfully highlighted the enduring legacy of Rev. Fr. Prof. Jude O. Mbukanma, OP, and his commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of ethical and philosophical questions in contemporary society. As guests left the event, they carried with them not only the spirit of celebration but also a renewed commitment to the values that Rev. Fr. Mbukanma exemplifies—a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.