Enugu Catholic church mobilises against leadership failure

The Catholic Diocese of Enugu has launched a civic enlightenment campaign to promote accountability, responsible leadership and informed citizenship, urging political leaders to prioritise the welfare of the people.

The initiative, Church for Community Care and Good Governance (CCGG), established under the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), was unveiled at St Theresa Catholic Church, Abakpa, Enugu.

Speaking at the launch, the project lead, Very Rev. Fr. Dr Longinus Ikenna Ugonwa, said the initiative would encourage constructive engagement between citizens and leaders while addressing issues such as education, healthcare, security, roads, employment and youth development.

Ugonwa, the Vicar for Public Relations of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, stressed that CCGG was non-partisan and would neither promote nor attack political personalities.

“CCGG is not a political party, nor is it a platform for promoting or attacking political personalities. We are non-partisan, and our commitment is to truth, responsible citizenship and the common good,” he said.

He explained that the initiative would deploy radio programmes, podcasts, documentaries, social media and community engagement to enlighten citizens, examine public concerns and promote practical solutions to community challenges.

“Our objective is not to embarrass government or any public institution. It is to encourage constructive engagement between citizens and leaders, because governance works better when people are informed and institutions remain open to dialogue,” he said.

Ugonwa said the initiative would also work with Church organisations, youth groups, the media and community leaders to promote civic education, youth participation and community development.

Under the theme, “Our faith, our community, our future,” and the motto, “Faith that cares, leadership that serves,” CCGG seeks to translate Christian values into practical action for societal development.

In his welcome address, the initiative’s coordinator, Dr Chinonso Opah, described the launch as a milestone in efforts to promote public responsibility, community participation and social development.

He acknowledged the support of the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Callistus Valentine Chukwuma Onaga; Auxiliary Bishop, Most Rev. Dr Ernest Obodo; and the convener, Msgr Prof Francis Obiora Ike.