By Chukwuka Ugokwe :
The Justice Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC), Catholic Diocese of Awka has commenced ceremonies marking its year 2024 week and fund raising for empowerment of the Less Privileged in the society.
Activities for this year’s event took place at Madonna Assumpta Catholic Church, Agulu, with a Pontifical Holy Mass followed by the fund raising and recognition of some of its members for their meritorious services.
Chairman on the Occasion, Chief Micheal Okolibe, represented by Darlington Uzoezie, noted described the JDPC as a social organisation founded by the church to assist the poor through skill acquisition, capacity building and other empowerment Programmes.
The Executive Director of JDPC, Rev Fr Levi Ukor, noted that the theme for this year’s event “Economic Empowerment and Capacity Strengthening for Self Reliance and Community Resilience” was meant to explore means of uplifting the poor to overcome their challenges.
“It is an opportunity to discuss topics that will help people especially the poor to adapt in hard economy. Through this medium, we also raise funds for the less privileged so that after some months, we can empower them.
“Some we will give sewing machines, some equipment for barbing while some will receive bags of beans and other things for their petty trade”
He affirmed that the organisation was reaching out to government as well as other international non governmental agencies for partnership to raise funds so as to enable it touch more lives.
Members of JDPC who received meritorious service award during the event include, Lady Queen Nwogo, Mrs Christiana Okani, Mrs Vivian Okonkwo, Rev Fr Augustine Oguine among Others.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Lady Queen Nwogo, pledged to sustain charity works and prayed for God’s continued blessing for the leadership of the church.
The Senator Representing Anambra Central District, Sen Victor Umeh, commended the organisation for coming to the aid of the poor and creating opportunities for them to conquer poverty.
While appreciating JDPC for providing succour to the needy, he pledged to sustain assistance to the organisation to enable it do more especially this period of harsh economic realities.
He,then, encouraged his constituents to embrace agriculture both crop and livestock farming to survive the prevailing era of food crisis and food insecurity.
Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, rep Rev Fr Evaristus Iheanacho
Chairman on Chief Micheal Okolibe rep by Darlington Uzoezie Said JDPC a social org meant by the Catholic to help the poor, uplifting of humanity through skills acquisition, capacity building etc
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor was represented by Rev Fr Evaristus Iheanacho.
