The Catholic Diocese of Enugu has launched the Church for Community Care and Good Governance (CCGG), aimed at promoting responsible leadership, civic education and community development in Enugu State.

The flag-off took place at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Abakpa, Enugu, on Saturday, alongside a community and civic festival featuring empowerment activities, rice distribution and networking.

The initiative was established by the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP) to encourage citizens to participate actively in governance and contribute to the development of their communities.

Speaking at the event, the project lead of CCGG, Very Rev. Fr Dr Longinus Ugonwa, said the initiative would bridge the gap between faith and societal development.

He added that religious faith should go beyond worship to positively influence people’s lives.

According to him, the initiative, with the slogan, “Faith That Cares, Leadership That Serves”, would focus on education, healthcare, infrastructure, security, employment, youth development and responsible leadership.

“CCGG seeks to connect our faith with the everyday concerns of our people, including education, healthcare, roads, security, employment, youth development and responsible leadership,” he said.

The clergyman explained that CCGG was a non-partisan initiative designed to promote truth, responsible citizenship and the common good rather than support or oppose political personalities.

He said the organisation would engage citizens and the government through podcasts, radio programmes, interviews, documentaries, social media and community activities.

Mr Ugonwa noted that the initiative would also provide opportunities for young people to showcase their talents, develop leadership skills and participate in community development.

He urged the media to support the initiative by amplifying constructive conversations on governance and community development.

He assured the public of the church’s readiness to promote constructive engagement while encouraging citizens to participate meaningfully in governance.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the convener of CCGG, Msgr Obiora Ike and the coordinator, Chinonso Opah, to the establishment of the initiative.

Governor Peter Mbah, represented by the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Uche Ugwu, expressed support for the initiative, describing the church and the government as partners in community welfare.

“The Church and the state are not different. We work together as a team to care for our people,” Mr Ugwu said.

He pledged continued support for the initiative as the government pursued good governance in Enugu State.

On his part, the Enugu East Local Government Chairman, Beloved-Dan Anike, said the church had contributed significantly to community development, citing smart schools and road dualisation as indicators of progress.

He expressed optimism that the church’s involvement would make politics less of a “dirty game” and strengthen cooperation between religious institutions and the government.

The launch featured a raffle draw with prizes worth a total of N10 million, with about 100 people winning prizes.

Participants also received rice, while networking sessions provided opportunities to build business, political and social connections.

The event was also attended by former aviation minister, Fidelia Njeze, other clergy, government officials, worshippers and members of the general public.

(NAN)