Fides Media Living the Faith
By Mercy Hill, Precious Ukeje and Sophia Ugwuoke
The Justice Development and Peace Caritas Commission, JDPC, of Awka Deanery 1, has conferred on four individuals, an award of the Ambassador of Justice, following their contributions to the activities of the organisation. The conferment took place at St Gabriel’s Catholic Parish, Okpuno, in Awka, Anambra State capital.
Shortly before the conferment of the awards on Hon. Ferdinand Onwuje, Hon. Chimezie Ikwunne, Hon. John Nwokoye, and Hon. Ferdinand Dozie Nwankwo; all represented, the Director of the Commission in Awka Diocese, Rev. Fr Levi Ukor, explained that the commission was focused on working for the cause of human rights, feeding the poor, scholarships and things of that nature.
The JDPC started after the Second Vatican Council from 1965-1967 as an avenue for interaction between the Church and society.
Fr Ukor further stressed that Nigeria was one among 165 countries that operated Caritas Association; a development that followed the decision of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria for all dioceses to have the department in place.
Because we have the JDPC already, we only added Caritas to be in line with the decision of the bishops,’ he further explained.
He disclosed that the Awka Deanery 1 JDPC was the first to confer awards on its benefactors, appreciating them for organising the event and charged the recipients to maintain their continued support to the commission.
Speaking to Fides on behalf of other recipients of the award, Hon. Nwankwo and Hon. Nwokoye said the decision of the Church to confer awards on them was a testament to their good work and commitment to the things of God.
They also submitted that going forward, they would continue to make meaningful contributions to the Church through the JDPC and other arms of the Church.
