History was made in Awka-Etiti, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, as the founder of the Lucky Adimike Foundation, Mr Lucky Chinedu Adimike, empowered 45 persons with ₦1 million each.
In addition, the member representing Idemili North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, supported the initiative with ₦5 million, extending the empowerment to five additional beneficiaries.
The empowerment exercise took place at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Awka-Etiti, during the Faithspiration Initiative Night of Praise, Worship and Empowerment.
The event, themed “Arise, Shine, for Your Light Has Come,” was powered by the Faithspiration Initiative and solely sponsored by Lucky Chinedu Adimike.
Priests who ministered and prayed for Faithspiration members and participants included Rev. Fr. Barrister Johnbosco Igwe, Rev. Fr. Joshua Obiekezie, among others.
The programme also featured performances by popular comedians and gospel artistes such as Chioma Ezefete, Mirable Chisom, Blessed Modesta, Chief Imo, Albino Brothers, Igwe White, and Timothy Ofoegbu, among others.
Speaking on the topic he titled “Six Allegations Against Christianity in Igboland,” Rev. Fr. Barrister Johnbosco Igwe clarified that Christianity did not seek to abolish Igbo traditions but rather refined them by preserving the good while discarding harmful practices.
He urged youths to desist from criticising the presence of Christianity in Igboland and warned against returning to long-abandoned idols.
The cleric outlined the allegations against Christianity to include claims that it destroyed Igbo identity and culture, demonised Igbo traditions, weakened moral values, economically disempowered Igboland, hindered civilisation, and was complicit in colonialism.
In separate speeches, Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, Anambra State House of Assembly member for Idemili South, Hon. Ebuka Igwe, Chairman of Idemili South Local Government Area, Mrs Amaka Obi, and President-General of Awka-Etiti, Mr Emeka Ezeoke, commended Lucky Adimike for empowering indigenes of Awka-Etiti and Idemili South at large.
They also praised the founder of the Faithspiration Initiative, Very Rev. Fr. Dr George Adimike, describing the initiative as a platform for nurturing youths in faith and spreading the gospel.
While presenting the funds to beneficiaries, Lucky Chinedu Adimike expressed gratitude to the Awka-Etiti President-General, Mr Emeka Ezeoke, Rev. Fr. Paul Ifebighi, government officials, and Faithspiration members.
He particularly commended Very Rev. Fr. Dr George Adimike for his dedication, describing him as a hardworking priest.
Adimike advised beneficiaries to remain prayerful and invest the funds in productive ventures rather than using them to settle debts. He encouraged them to save from their profits, practise financial discipline, and adhere strictly to the guidelines of the empowerment committee.
In his remarks, Very Rev. Fr. Dr George Adimike thanked priests, religious, seminarians, government officials, Faithspiration members, and the Port Harcourt branch of the initiative for their support and active participation.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of gifts to Fr George Adimike and Lucky Chinedu Adimike by groups and individuals.
