Bishop Ezeokafor Empowers Youth with Brand New Motorcycle

By Fr Constantine Echichechi Okoli and Anthony Akin-Omolafe

For Victor Ugochukwu, Tuesday 31 January 2023, was a defining day in his life as he became a proud owner of a brand new motorcycle, with full particulars, courtesy of the Bishop of Awka Catholic Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor. It was in continuation of the bishop’s youth empowerment initiative.

It will be recalled that on 23rd November 2022, Bishop Ezeokafor empowered 111 youths from across the diocese as part of the event marking his 70th birthday celebration. On many fora, Bishop Ezeokafor has always maintained that every child becomes successful if that child is useful to himself or herself, as well as to society and God through learning, education and acquisition of skills.

The latest beneficiary, Ugochukwu, from Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Ndiukwuenu, in Orumba North LGA, received from the Bishop a brand new KC Sanyo Motorcycle at the premises of the Catholic Secretariat, Awka, in the presence of the Chancellor of the diocese, Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubisi; Secretary of the diocese, Rev. Fr. Evaristus Ifeanacho; the Education Secretary, Rev. Fr. Maximus Okonkwo; the Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the 70th birthday of the Bishop, Rev. Fr. Benjamin Odika; and the Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Parish, Ndiukwuenu, Rev. Fr. Donatus Oragwam.

While making the presentation to Ugochukwu, the bishop said, ‘It is indeed a rare opportunity and we must continue to do our best to empower the youths however and whenever we can.’

Fides gathered that Ugochukwu was among those empowered on 23rd November, 2023, when he was given equipment that would aid him in his work as a mason and bricklayer.

However, being that Ugochukwu stayed in Ndiukwuenu, the bishop thought it would be easier for Ugochukwu to move about freely and be aided in his job if had a means of transportation like a motorcycle.

For his part, Victor Ugochukwu saw himself as the most privileged and the person most empowered. In his words, ‘I thank My Lord, the Bishop, for the youth empowerment initiative and programme and for the gift.’

Recounting that many youths had benefitted from this initiative, he said though he was not the only one the Bishop empowered, he was the only one receiving something as big as a motorcycle from him.

‘I thank him immensely and I really lack words to convey my gratitude,’ he said.