On October 31st 2024, at the Bishop Okoye Memorial Hall in Enugu, a special guest arrived at Catholic Institute for Development Justice and Peace (CIDJAP). Prof. Elmar Kuhn, Secretary General of Christian in Need International, was greeted with warmth and reverence as he embarked on a visit that would touch the lives of many and open a heartfelt dialogue on the importance of inter-religious harmony and ethics.
The founding director of CIDJAP, Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike, led the opening formalities, setting a tone of solemnity and grace. Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike, adored for his wisdom and compassion for the poor, introduced the Master of Ceremony, Rev. Fr. Ambrose Ofodile, whose gentle yet firm eloquence led the event gracefully forward.
Before the public lecture, Prof. Kuhn held a private session with a group of persecuted Christian survivors from Nigeria's northern states, including Borno, Kaduna, Bauchi, Kano, and Taraba. These individuals had endured unimaginable hardships and bore scars of persecution that spoke volumes about their resilience. Many of the women, now widows, tearfully recounted how their husbands had been taken by insurgent violence, leaving them all alone to care for their children.
They shared how they had lost everything: their homes, shops, and any means of livelihood. Some bore visible injuries, with broken limbs marking their bodies from the agonizing attacks. Others are enduring terminal illnesses, unable to access or afford the healthcare they so desperately needed. Prof. Kuhn listened intently; his empathy reflected in his eyes as he grasped the depth of their suffering.
The stories from these survivors left a profound impact on Prof. Kuhn and the audience who gathered to witness this deeply emotional encounter. Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike once again, offering comforting words of hope, reminding them that "hope has come" and assuring the survivors that Christian in Need International, in partnership with CIDJAP, is here to extend its hands of compassion and support.
With emotions still on, Dr. Ebele Odinachi, the Director of Projects and Secretary of CIDJAP, took the podium to read Prof. Kuhn's citation. The room listened with reverent silence as Dr. Ebele detailed Prof. Kuhn's remarkable journey as an advocate for religious tolerance, peace, and justice, making clear why this moment of solidarity meant so much. Finally, Prof. Kuhn took to the stage, his spirit undeterred, and delivered a powerful lecture on "Inter-Religious Dialogue and Ethics." His message was clear: mutual understanding, compassion and peace must be pursued at all costs.
After his lecture, reactions and insights flowed from some of the esteemed audience, including Prof. Ugwuoke, Rev. Fr. Dr. Chinedu Anieke, Prof. Okere, and Prof. Christian Okeke. Each shared thoughts on the lecture's relevance to the current socio-political climate and Prof. Okeke led the traditional breaking of the kola nut, calling on blessings and peace upon all present.
To honor Prof. Elmar Kuhn's contribution and his message of unity, CIDJAP Academy's Registrar, Mrs. Julie Okenwa, and Rev. Fr. Chidiebere Paul Ani, CIDJAP's Deputy Director, presented him with a symbolic gift, a token of gratitude and solidarity that echoed the purpose of his visit. As Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike led the closing formalities, the hall filled with a renewed sense of purpose. He imparted his final blessing with heartfelt sincerity, calling upon strength, compassion, and peace to guide everyone present and then refreshment followed.
Prof. Kuhn's visit was not just an academic exercise or a routine public lecture. It was a solemn reminder of the strength found in faith and unity and the ongoing need to stand with those who suffer. In a world often divided, this gathering reminded everyone that through compassion, resilience and dialogue, we can hope to heal and uplift even the most wounded among us.
