UMUNEDE (Ika Weekly) – The Umunede Catholic Women Organization (UCWO) held her 7th Annual General Conference last weekend.
The occasion, which had its theme as “Catholic Women-peacemakers, united in faith and action”, featured installation of patrons/patronesses and the launching of ten million naira Hall for skill acquisition centre, under the chairmanship of the Registrar College of Education, Agbor. Mr. Andy J. Ajabor.
In his opening speech, the chairman described this year’s annual conference as a unique one since it brought women from the two Catholic Churches in Umunede together.
He noted that the focus of the conference is to make plan for one of the objectives of Catholic Women Organization (CWO), which is service, stressing that CWO is both a service oriented and spiritual organization.
Mr. Ajabor commended the women for venturing into a project that will create job opportunities for people, and therefore urged them to pursue the project with all vigour.
Addressing the guests, the CWO president, Lady Ngozi Biose (LSJI) said the annual conference is a time when women come together to discuss ways and means of moving the home parish forward.
She said the installation of new patrons and patronesses is a mark of honour to thank the awardees for their selfless services and contributions to the CWO in particular, and the Catholic Church in Umunede in general.
Lady Biose stated that when the skill acquisition centre is completed, it will be equipped and used as a centre for the training of women and young girls to acquire skills in the area of baking bead making, hair dressing, shoe-making, soap making, and tie and dye.
The vice-chairman of Parish Pastoral Council, Sacred Heart Catholic Umnuede, Mr. C.I. Iyama thanked God for the reunion of the two parishes in Umunede, noting that before now, the people of these sister parishes tended to be not only parochial but also full of bitterness, acrimony and unnecessary rivalry.
Mr. Iyama noted that the shortcomings in the behaviour of the women are being reduced to the barest minimum, but quickly added that the problem forfeiting Sunday service for the market needs to be addressed.
The high point of the occasion was the launching with the former PDP chairman Delta State. Dr. (Sir.) Pius Sinebe (KSJI) as the chief launcher, who made a personal donation of one hundred thousand naira (N100, 000).
The parish priest in charge of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Umunede, Msgnr. Arimoku approved a plot of land for the acquisition centre.
Those installed as patrons and patronesses are the Isor of Umunded, Queen, Anthonia Ezeagwu, Mr. A.J.Aliemeke, Chief (Sir) Simon Nwaokenye (KSM), Mr. Justin Nkenchor, Lady P. Nwokoro, Chief (Mrs.) Philo Omorodion, Lady T.E. Uyanwanne (LSM), Mrs. V.O. Ofulue, Mrs. E. Obimah, Mr. B.C. Agada, Sir (Dir) Hilary Ezedi (KSM), and Lady Felicia Ezedi (LSM).
The occasion was spiced with welcome songs, cultural dance, and match past competitions by the women.
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