Enugu Catholic Diocese Launches Initiative to Strengthen Civic Engagement Ahead of 2027

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the Catholic Diocese of Enugu has launched a new initiative aimed at enhancing civic education and encouraging active citizen participation in governance. The program, titled Church for Community Care and Good Governance (CCGG), was officially unveiled at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Abakpa, Enugu, under the guidance of the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP).

A Non-Partisan Approach to Civic Education

According to the CCGG Project Lead, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Longinus Ikenna Ugonwa, the initiative is strictly non-partisan. He emphasized that the platform is not intended to serve as a political party or a vehicle for attacking or promoting specific political figures. Instead, the project seeks to bridge the communication gap between political leaders and the public.

“We do not tell people what to think. We help them understand issues, ask informed questions, examine evidence and make responsible decisions,” Fr. Ugonwa stated. The project plans to utilize various media channels, including podcasts, radio programs, documentaries, and social media, to amplify citizen concerns and encourage constructive dialogue between the public and government institutions.

Institutional Collaboration

The launch drew support from local political figures, including the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uche Ugwu, and the Chairman of Ezeagu Local Government Area, Hon. Vita Ndu. Both officials highlighted the necessity of collaboration between religious institutions and the state to ensure community development.

Hon. Ugwu noted that the Church and the state share a common responsibility to improve the welfare of the citizenry. Similarly, Hon. Ndu, who spoke on the theme of faith and priestly leadership, argued that public office should be viewed as a service to the people rather than a means for personal gain. He encouraged the clergy to continue their role in grassroots transformation, noting their unique position to influence social development.

Strategic Implementation

The CCGG initiative intends to leverage existing Catholic Church structures to reach a broad demographic. Collaborating bodies include:

• Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC)
• Diocesan Communication department
• Catholic Men Organisation (CMO)
• Catholic Women Organisation (CWO)
• Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON)

Dr. Chinonso Opah, the CCGG Coordinator, described the program as the start of a sustained conversation aimed at creating meaningful partnerships. The initiative is designed to promote cultural expression and talent development alongside its primary focus on civic education.

Conclusion

While the initiative is positioned to influence the political landscape leading up to 2027, its organizers maintain that the primary goal is not to embarrass public institutions but to foster an environment where governance is improved through informed citizenship. By facilitating structured engagement, the Enugu Catholic Diocese aims to ensure that the voices of the community are effectively integrated into the governance process.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria

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