…As Uzodinma bags Award of Excellence
The Catholic Social Forum, an arm of the Laity Council of Nigeria, Owerri Province, has honoured the Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma for his developmental strides in the state.
The Council conferred the honour on the governor during a Diocesan Re-orientation and Sensitization Programme with the theme: “Healing the Land.”
The event aimed at encouraging the Catholic faithful to actively engage in politics and exercise their voting rights, responsibly.
The program which was Coordinated by the President of the Laity Council of Nigeria, Owerri Province, Hon. Placid Onyekachi Chijioke and the Coordinator of the Social Forum of the Laity Council, Sir. Ambrose Obioha, began at the Ahiara Diocese with a Holy Mass, followed by insightful sessions featuring teachings, talks, and interactive prayer sessions.
Key discussions emphasized the need for lay Catholics to cast their votes and participate actively in politics.
Additionally, the Charter of Equity for Imo State was adopted, and the faithful expressed gratitude to the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, for his developmental efforts.
The momentum continued as the event moved to the Okigwe Diocese on October 28 at the Cathedral Retreat Center, also commencing with a Holy Mass.
During the homily, the priest urged the faithful to engage in politics, emphasizing that Catholics’ participation in elections could lead to the selection of the right candidates for leadership.
The President of the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria thanked those who attended for their active participation and encouraged them to play crucial roles in the upcoming governorship election scheduled for November 11.
Prayers were offered for the government of Nigeria, the state, and for a peaceful election process.
The grand finale of the Catholic Social Forum took place at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral in Owerri, featuring attendants from the Orlu Diocese and Owerri Archdiocese. During the Holy Mass, Catholics were reminded to vote for the right candidates and reject temptations of vote buying and electoral malpractices.
Notable dignitaries, including the Governor of Imo State, represented by his Deputy, Prof. Placid Njoku, and the Patron of the Laity Council, Prof. Maurice Iwu, joined the event. Chief Sir Eze Duruiheoma SAN, chaired the occasion.
Dr. Desmond delivered a lecture, encouraging Catholics to actively participate in politics and exercise their fundamental rights to vote.
The event culminated in the presentation of an Award of Excellence to the state governor for his human and capital developmental strides as well as support to the Church.
The representative of the Governor,the Deputy Governor, Prof. Njoku, expressed gratitude for the recognition and encouraged Catholics to vote and support his re-election bid in the November 11 election.
The 2023 Catholic Social Forum was a resounding success, marking a significant shift as the Laity embraced their responsibility to participate actively in politics, making their voices heard and contributing to the democratic proces.
NIGERIA NEWSPOINT
