The Umuahia 3 Deanery Council of Catholic Diocese of Umuahia, has revealed plans to build a cottage industry (an oil mill project) at their already secured, vantage portion of land at Ofeme, in Umuahia North L.G.A, Abia State. The objective of the church is to complement the government, part of which is to create job opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Making this known on the occasion of the 2024 Deanery day celebration held at St. Michael’s Catholic Parish, Ugwunchara, the Chairman of Umuahia 3 Deanery Council whose address was presented by Mrs Chika Ezeala, the Secretary, expressed optimism that the money spinning self-reliant project will alleviate not only the financial burden from the parishes under the Deanery but would also help to improve the economy of the government.
Speaking during the event, the Mayor of Umuahia North LGA, High-Chief Victor Ikeji, who acknowledged that the early church in Nigeria played a laudable role in the socioeconomic development of most communities, maintained that the church has remained a critical component in the development of the society. He commended the Umuahia 3 Deanery for initiating and siting the cottage industry in an agrarian community in Umuahia North and expressed confidence that when the project is completed, it will contribute in no small measure to the palm production within the local government and its environment.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion and the Manager of the State Environmental Protection Agency, ASEPA, Umuahia Zone, Hon. Catechist Ambrose Jonah, appreciated the Church for complementing the government’s efforts in the job creation sector. He disclosed that whatever he is today was as a reward of what he has been giving to the Church, as he rightly put it, “The seed you are sowing today will grow tomorrow and be a blessing to you”.
In agreement with the Mayor of Umuahia North LGA, High-Chief Victor Ikeji and the Manager of ASEPA, Umuahia Zone, Hon. Catechist Ambrose Jonah, the member representing Umuahia Central State Constituency, Hon. Chinasa Abiola Anthony, assured the church of his support to ensure the timely completion of the oil mill project.
In a brief speech, the Chairman of the 2024 Deanery Day celebration, Comrade Eugene Okonta, appreciated the dignitaries that graced the occasion, including the Deputy-Mayor of Umuahia North Hon Okechukwu Anthony Amah, the Chairman Catholic Pastoral Council, Umuahia Diocese , Sir Titus Agommouh, the Secretary to the LGA, Mrs Ifeyinwa Edith Ihuoma the Chief of Staff, Prince Goodluck Ohazuruike, and others who attended the event. The representative of Most Rev. Dr. Michael Ukpong, the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Rev. Monsignor Francis Nwaiwu had earlier led the Eucharistic mass, where he enjoined the congregation to selflessly build the Deanery to the glory of God.
