Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, through the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace, CIDJAP, has rolled out measures to deepen good governance, civic education and active citizen participation in Enugu State.
The initiative, known as Church for Community Care and Good Governance, CCGG, was unveiled at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Abakpa, Enugu.
The Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uche Ugwu, and the Chairman of Ezeagu Local Government Area, Hon. Vita Ndu, pledged support for the initiative, describing collaboration between the Church and government as essential to community development and accountable leadership.
Ugwu said the Church and the state government shared the responsibility of improving the welfare of the people, stressing that both institutions should work together to promote good governance.
Ndu, speaking on the theme, “The Role of Faith and Priestly Leadership in Transforming Communities and Governance,” described service, empowerment and environmental transformation as fundamental responsibilities of leadership.
He said the principle of faith that cares and leadership that serves captured the essence of responsible governance, urging political leaders and the clergy to work together to improve the lives of citizens.
According to him, priests play significant roles in transforming communities, particularly at the grassroots, where their influence and proximity to the people position them to contribute to social development.
Ndu urged priests to sustain their support for leaders committed to serving the people, noting that governance should be driven by the understanding that public office is a responsibility to serve rather than an avenue for personal gain.
He commended the Catholic Church for establishing the initiative and pledged that his administration would support its objectives and collaborate with other stakeholders to advance community development.
Earlier, the CCGG Project Lead, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Longinus Ikenna Ugonwa, said the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between political leaders and the everyday concerns of citizens.
Ugonwa clarified that CCGG was neither a political party nor a platform for promoting or attacking political personalities, but a non-partisan initiative committed to truth, responsible citizenship and the common good.
“We do not tell people what to think. We help them understand issues, ask informed questions, examine evidence and make responsible decisions,” he said.
He explained that the initiative would deploy podcasts, radio programmes, interviews, documentaries, social media and community engagement to amplify citizens’ concerns, acknowledge genuine progress and encourage practical solutions to societal challenges.
According to him, the objective was not to embarrass government or public institutions but to promote constructive engagement between citizens and leaders.
“Governance works better when people are informed and institutions remain open to dialogue,” he said.
Ugonwa said CCGG would collaborate 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 promote civic education, cultural expression, talent development and community participation.
In his welcome address, the CCGG Coordinator, Dr. Chinonso Opah, described the initiative as the beginning of sustained conversations, meaningful partnerships and practical interventions to improve communities.
Opah expressed appreciation to the bishops for their pastoral leadership and to the convener, Msgr. Prof. Francis Obiora Ike, for the vision behind the initiative.
