The Catholic Diocese of Enugu has launched the Church for Community Care and Good Governance. The initiative aims to promote responsible leadership, civic education and community development. The flag-off was held at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Abakpa, Enugu, on Saturday. It coincided with a Community and Civic Festival. The event featured empowerment activities, rice distribution and networking. The Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace established the initiative.
The Catholic Church has a long history of social intervention in Nigeria. In the southeast, the church runs schools, hospitals and development programmes. In 2023, the church mediated in political disputes. In 2024, it launched civic education campaigns. The current initiative builds on that tradition. It aims to connect faith with governance. The slogan is “Faith That Cares, Leadership That Serves.” It is non-partisan. It does not support or oppose political personalities.
The Project Lead, Very Rev. Fr Dr Longinus Ugonwa, said the initiative would bridge the gap between faith and societal development. He said religious faith should go beyond worship. It should positively influence people’s lives. The initiative will focus on education, healthcare, infrastructure, security, employment, youth development and responsible leadership. It will engage citizens and government through podcasts, radio programmes, interviews, documentaries, social media and community activities. It will also give young people opportunities to showcase their talents and develop leadership skills.
Governor Peter Mbah attended, represented by the Speaker of the Enugu House of Assembly, Uche Ugwu. He expressed support. “The Church and the state are not different,” he said. “We work together as a team to care for our people.” He pledged continued support. The Enugu East Local Government Chairman, Beloved-Dan Anike, said the church had contributed to community development. He expressed optimism that the initiative would make politics less of a “dirty game.”
The launch included a raffle draw with prizes worth ₦10 million. About 100 people won prizes. Participants received rice. Networking sessions provided opportunities for business and political connections.
Winners: The church, which gains a platform. Citizens, who gain civic education. Young people, who gain opportunities. The government, which gains a partner. Attendees, who gained prizes and rice. Losers: Politicians who benefit from apathy. Critics who see the church as meddling. No serious losers if the initiative delivers.
Bottom Line: The Enugu diocese launched a civic initiative. Faith meets governance. The church is engaging. The government is supportive. The slogan is clear. The work is ahead.