Catholic Institute honours Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former Gov. Peter Obi, others; Enugu inaugurates reconstituted Christian Pilgrims Board

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has been conferred with an award by the Catholic Institute of Development, Justice and Peace for his commitment to human development. The Institute gave the award as it celebrates its 30th anniversary.

The governor in a brief remark, delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Governor, Lolo Cecilia Ezeilo, who represented him at the occasion, thanked the organizers for the honour bestowed on him and promised to remain a strong advocate for the welfare of Enugu State people in order to improve their socio-economic conditions.
He explained that the state government has already made appreciable progress in several areas of development in Enugu State, in line with the promises made in his inaugural address to commit his administration to the tenets of good governance, employment generation, enhanced services, infrastructure and human capital development, as well as security and justice.
He added that his administration would continue to work closely with CIDJAP and other relevant organizations and agencies to ensure the full realization of “our development agenda”.
He commended Monsignor Obiora Ike for his vision and leadership qualities, noting that the Catholic Diocese of Enugu equally deserved commendation for the support it has been giving the Institute.
Earlier in his speech, the director of the institute, Rev Fr. Dr. Chinedu Anieke noted that CIDJAP as a social organ of the Catholic Church was committed to the implementation of its teachings on human development and wellbeing.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of award to the beneficiaries comprising Governor Ugwuanyi; the former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi; Bishop Emeritus of Enugu diocese of the Catholic church, Bishop Okonkwo Gbujie; the late Bishop Michael Eneje; the late former director-general of NAFDAC, Prof. Dora Akunyili, and Mrs Eunice Oguanya, the president of Catholic Women Organization, Enugu Diocese.

Also on Thursday, Enugu State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, formally inaugurated the reconstituted Enugu State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board with Rev. Fr Dr. John Nwafor as its Chairman.
Performing the inaugural ceremony which took place at Government House, Enugu, Mrs Ezeilo said the measure was in conformity with relevant sections of the Enugu State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board.
Outlining the responsibilities of the Board, Mrs. Ezeilo noted that the members are empowered to protect and safeguard the interests of the pilgrims and make adequate arrangements in the areas of accommodation, transportation as well as matters relating to immigration and currency exchange issues.
According to her, “I wish to congratulate the Chairman and members of the board on their appointments and I am confident in their ability to deploy their experience, knowledge and competences to discharge their onerous duty effectively and satisfactorily.” She also wished the board success in its assignment.
The chairman, Rev. Fr. John Nwafor, expressed the gratitude and appreciation of the board for the appointment, adding that it was an act of providence and pledged to carry out the civic responsibilities in line with the laid down rules and the law establishing the board.
Other members of the board include its Secretary, Pastor Christian Ugo Onah; Dr. Emma Asogwa; Evangelist Benjamin Anyim; Mrs Eunice Oguanya; Rev. Nnamdi Nsude; as well as Mr. Nwabueze Nnamani and Mrs Chukwu Chinazor Emelda.