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From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
Awka-Etiti community, Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State, was a gathering point for faith, reflection and societal renewal recently as Faithspiration Initiative hosted its annual night of praise and empowerment.
Faithspiration Initiative, founded and spearheaded by Rev. Fr. (Dr.) George Adimike, Catholic priest and director of social communication, Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, is rooted in the conviction that authentic societal transformation begins with the renewal of the human person.
Its vision extends beyond material assistance to the formation of individuals who are spiritually grounded, intellectually enlightened, morally responsible and economically productive.
It is within this broader understanding of empowerment — as spiritual, intellectual, moral and financial development — that the 2026 edition of the Night of Praise and Empowerment found its full meaning.
At St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Awka-Etiti, the venue, it was more than a single-night event, as the programme represented the continuation of a growing movement deliberately structured around the rebuilding of society through faith in Christ, with holistic human development at its core.
As part of preparations leading to this year’s gathering, the initiative had earlier extended its charitable outreach to the most vulnerable in the community, distributing 200 bags of 25kg bags of rice and 200 bags of 25kg beans to 200 indigent families in Awka-Etiti. Also, 50 bags of 50kg rice and 50 bags of 50kg beans were shared to the poor through religious bodies.
This gesture, coming ahead of the main event, reflected Faithspiration’s consistent emphasis on practical charity as an expression of lived Christian faith, especially amid prevailing socio-economic hardship.
The Awka-Etiti Night of Praise and Empowerment was hosted and sponsored by the Lucky Adimike Foundation, which undertook the entire package of the programme — music, teaching and preaching, prayer, comedy and empowerment.
Moments of deep worship and praise formed the spiritual heartbeat of the programme, led by anointed gospel artistes whose ministrations stirred reflection, gratitude and renewed commitment to God.
Artistes who ministered in songs included Mirabel Chisom, Blessed Modesta, Kenz Music and Sis. Chioma Ezefete, whose soulful performances drew participants into intense encounters of prayer and worship, reinforcing Faithspiration’s evangelical mandate.
Complementing the worship experience were carefully curated moments of wholesome laughter and reflection delivered through Christian comedy, a feature Faithspiration has embraced as part of its evangelisation strategy.
Popular comedians such as Chief Imo, Sir One on One Albino Brothers and Igwe White used humour not merely to entertain, but to also communicate moral lessons, social critique and faith-based values, reminding the audience that joy remains an essential instrument of healing and renewal.
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The intellectual and doctrinal depth of the programme was provided by the ministers of the Word, whose teachings anchored the event firmly in sound theology and cultural reflection.
Priests who ministered included Rev. Fr. Johnbosco Igwe, Rev. Fr. Joshua Obiekezie and Rev. Fr. Patrick Egaga. They were joined by other lay faithful ministers of the Word; Chief Polycarp Onwuka, Brother Timothy Ofoegbu and Evangelist Onyeka Obiezu.
In a widely engaging presentation titled “Six Allegations Against Christianity in Igboland,” Rev. Fr. Johnbosco Igwe addressed claims that Christianity undermined Igbo identity, morality and development, arguing instead that it refined Igbo society by preserving its authentic values while discarding destructive practices. He cautioned youths against romanticising abandoned idolatry and urged them to embrace a faith that builds both character and community.
Behind the scenes and at the forefront of coordination was Rev. Fr. Evaristus Ezeani, a pharmacist, whose support, organisational input and close collaboration contributed significantly to the smooth execution of the programme.
A major highlight of the night was the financial empowerment segment, during which Mr. Lucky Chinedu Godwin Adimike, founder of the Lucky Adimike Foundation, empowered 45 beneficiaries with N1 million each.
The gesture was presented not as an end in itself but as a means toward responsible stewardship, productivity and dignity. Beneficiaries were consistently reminded that empowerment, within the Faithspiration framework, must lead to personal growth and communal impact.
This intervention built upon a solid history of sustained giving. During the 2025 edition of Faithspiration Praise, Mr. Adimike had disbursed N19.5 million to 38 beneficiaries, alongside the distribution of 200 bags of rice and 200 bags of beans to 200 families. Across both editions, emphasis was placed on preparation, discipline and accountability, with beneficiaries encouraged to invest in ventures capable of yielding long-term transformation.
Community and government leaders present at the programme, including Hon. Ebuka Igwe, Anambra State House of Assembly member for Idemili South, Mrs. Amaka Obi, chairman of Idemili South Local Government Area, Hon. Uche Harris Okonkwo, Member representing Idemmili North and Idemmili South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, and Mr. Emeka Ezeoke, President-General of the Awka-Etiti Improvement Union, commended the clarity of Faithspiration’s vision and the consistency of its impact.
They praised the Lucky Adimike Foundation for translating faith into action and for supporting a model of empowerment that addresses both spiritual and material realities.
In his remarks, Fr. George Adimike expressed profound gratitude to priests, religious, seminarians, Faithspiration members and the Faithspiration Port Harcourt branch, which formally presented gifts to him and to Charles Igwe, the administrative officer of Faithspiration, in appreciation of their commitment and sacrifice.
He reaffirmed that Faithspiration remains a movement committed to rebuilding society through faith in Christ, insisting that evangelisation must always be accompanied by charity, formation and service.
Later, Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo announced his support for the initiative with a N5 million contribution, extending the empowerment exercise to five additional beneficiaries. His gesture reflected the growing recognition of Faithspiration Praise as a credible platform for faith-driven social renewal.
As participants departed St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Awka-Etiti, the enduring message of Faithspiration Praise resonated clearly — that when worship, sound teaching, joy-filled evangelisation and responsible empowerment converge, society itself begins to heal, one transformed life at a time.
