The Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), the project arm of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, continued its 40th anniversary celebrations on 5th October 2026 at Ofuobi Africa Centre, Independence Layout, Enugu. The event concluded activities that began in April 2026, featuring conferences, ceremonies and other programmes across different levels in Enugu, Nigeria.
The celebration also commemorated the 800th anniversary of St Francis of Assisi, whose example inspired CIDJAP’s founders. The occasion honoured Msgr. Anthony Chigbogu Okeke, a pastoral psychologist and counsellor to clergy, religious communities and families, who served with CIDJAP for over 30 years, supporting its mission and contributing to its work.
The programme began with Holy Mass celebrated by the founder, Very Rev. Msgr. Obiora Ike. In his reflection, he spoke about the life of St Francis of Assisi and encouraged the congregation to follow his example, particularly his willingness to embrace poverty amid affluence in order to serve God and others.
The CIDJAP family welcomed guests with its anthem, while pupils from CIDJAP St Joseph School, Enugu, St Monica School, St Leo Group of Schools and Oluaka Di Nma Vocational School entertained attendees with cultural dances. Prof. Mike Mmaduagwu delivered a public lecture on good leadership, prompting participants to share their expectations of effective leadership.
Muo Kamarachi, a beneficiary of the CIDJAP Sponsorship Scheme, presented a gift to Msgr. Obiora Ike in appreciation of the support that had funded her education for thirteen years, beginning in nursery school. Now in secondary school, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity and promised to become a worthy ambassador of CIDJAP.
As part of the anniversary activities, CIDJAP donated one million naira to Enugu Custodial Training School, half a million naira to Msgr. Anthony Okeke, and a Sienna vehicle to the Church for Community Care and Good Governance Foundation. These donations reflected the organisation’s continued commitment to education, community service and support for people in need.
Two other organisations also acknowledged CIDJAP’s positive influence on their development. Sr Joanes Uzoma, speaking for the Holy Family Sisters of the Needy, said CIDJAP played an important role in their coming to Enugu. Their work includes caring for unmarried mothers and children with physical and intellectual disabilities. Stanley Ukachukwu discussed Njem Nsachaghe Asusu Igbo, founded by Odinakachukwu Christopher Ukaabam to preserve the Igbo language.
Participants congratulated CIDJAP on its four decades of service and its contributions to the lives of individuals and communities, particularly the poor. They praised its educational and development initiatives, expressed appreciation for its work and wished the organisation continued success. The celebration provided an opportunity to recognise past achievements and reaffirm support for CIDJAP’s mission in the years ahead.
