The Catholic Diocese of Enugu has launched the Church for Community Care and Good Governance (CCGG), a faith-inspired initiative aimed at promoting civic education, responsible leadership and community development across Enugu State.
The initiative was officially flagged off on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Abakpa, Enugu, alongside a Community and Civic Festival featuring empowerment activities, foodstuffs distribution and networking.
Speaking at the event, the CCGG Project Lead, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Longinus Ugonwa, said the initiative was designed to translate Christian faith into practical action by encouraging citizens to participate actively in governance, promote justice and contribute to the development of their communities.
“Our faith must be seen in the way we care for one another, respond to human needs, promote justice and contribute to the development of our communities,” Ugonwa said.
Established by the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP) under the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, CCGG seeks to connect faith with citizens’ everyday concerns, including education, healthcare, roads, security, employment, youth development and responsible leadership.
Ugonwa stressed that the initiative was non-partisan and would neither promote nor attack political personalities, but rather encourage informed citizenship and constructive engagement between the government and the people.
“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 use podcasts, radio programmes, interviews, documentaries, social media and community engagement to examine public concerns, highlight genuine progress and encourage practical solutions to challenges affecting residents.
“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,” Ugonwa stated.
The project lead said CCGG would work with Church structures, including the Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), Diocesan Communication, Catholic Men Organisation (CMO), Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) and Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON), to expand civic education, cultural expression, talent development and community participation.
He also described the Community and Civic Festival as part of the initiative’s efforts to provide a platform for residents, particularly young people, to showcase their talents, exchange ideas and celebrate shared community values.
Ugonwa said the official flag-off, marked by the unveiling of CCGG caps and pull-up banners, symbolised the initiative’s readiness to take its message beyond the Church into communities, public discussions and digital platforms.
“Our success will not be measured by the banners we unveil today, but by the lives we touch, the citizens we enlighten, the communities we serve and the positive changes we help encourage,” he said.
He called on government officials, the media, young people and community leaders to support the initiative, stressing that community development and responsible citizenship required collective commitment.
“Eziokwu bụ ndụ” — truth is life — he said, invoking the Igbo proverb to underscore the importance of truth and informed public participation.
He also cited another Igbo saying, “Otu onye anaghị agba ọsọ ama,” meaning one person cannot run a race for the entire community, to emphasise the need for collective action in building a better future for Enugu State.
The project lead subsequently declared CCGG and the Community and Civic Festival officially launched on behalf of CIDJAP, acknowledging the initiative’s convener, Msgr. Prof. Francis Obiora Ike, its coordinator, Dr. Chinonso Opah, and the contributions of priests, religious, community partners, the media and youth groups.
The initiative’s guiding theme is “Our Faith, Our Community, Our Future,” while its motto is “Faith That Cares, Leadership That Serves.” Its central call to action is: “Pray! Serve! Empower! Transform!”
The event was attended by the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, council chairmen of Enugu East, Enugu North, Ezeagu and Udi local government areas, former minister Fidelia Njeze, Reverend Fathers, government officials, worshippers and members of the general public.
