CIDJAP @ 39 Conference: A Landmark of Service, Transformative Impact and Dedication to Humanity

The Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP) Enugu, began the celebration of her 39th Anniversary with a remarkable conference filled with great joy and gratitude on Saturday, 3rd October 2025, themed “The Economy and Unemployment in Nigeria: Challenges and Opportunities,” drawing distinguished guests, government officials, academia, clergy and beneficiaries of CIDJAP’s enduring mission of faith and development at the serene Ofuobi Africa Centre, Independence Layout, Enugu.

The opening formalities were gracefully led by Rev. Fr. Ambrose Ofodile, setting a reflective tone for the day. In the spirit of humility and inclusiveness, the Founding Director, Very Rev. Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike, handed the microphone to Miss Eze Amanda, a Basic 4 pupil of CIDJAP St. Joseph Nursery and Primary School, who led the gathering in a touching opening prayer, symbolizing CIDJAP’s commitment to raising the next generation of leaders anchored in faith and values.

Rev. Fr. Paul Chidiebere Ani, in his heartwarming welcome address, extended greetings to the audience and lauded Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike’s vision, which has sustained CIDJAP as a beacon of justice, peace and integral human development for nearly four decades. The Hon. Commissioner for Labour and Employment, Mr. Felix Nnamani, in his goodwill message, recounted how CIDJAP through Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike’s benevolent scholarship program transformed his life’s trajectory. He described CIDJAP as “a light that does not only shine but ignites hope wherever it touches.” With gratitude, he thanked the institute for standing as a ladder through which many, including himself, climbed to a life of purpose and service.

The Comptroller of the Enugu State Correctional Centre, Mr. Valentine Obizue, also moved the audience with his goodwill message, describing CIDJAP as “a faithful friend of the forgotten.” He recalled with admiration how CIDJAP has supported the correctional centre for over two decades providing skill acquisition tools, spiritual guidance and rehabilitation support for inmates, restoring dignity to lives once broken.

The atmosphere was brightened by Master Ndukaihe Brian Onyedikachi, who delivered an inspiring interlude on the importance of anniversary reminding everyone that anniversaries are moments to look back with gratitude and forward with renewed hope. The Keynote Speaker, Prof. Casimir Ani, opened his address with a goodwill message to CIDJAP and heartfelt commendation to Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike, whom he described as “an international scholar, a teacher of men and morals and a living example of service driven leadership.” He reflected on his early years working at CIDJAP as a period of immense learning and empowerment.

In a moment of solemn remembrance, he called for a minute silence in honour of Late Dr. Chinedu Ike, whom he described as a “hero of dedication and teamwork for CIDJAP and all.” In addressing the conference theme, Prof. Ani offered deep insights into the economic challenges and rising unemployment in Nigeria, linking them to poor governance, weak industrial structures and insufficient investment in youth empowerment. He proposed practical solutions, emphasizing the need for vocational education, entrepreneurship support and value-based leadership, principles CIDJAP has long embodied.

An interlude followed, with Holy Rosary College students rendering a soul-stirring song titled “When We Pray,” while St. Patrick Secondary School, Emene, delivered a poetic reflection on “Culture,” and St. Monica’s Girls presented a poem titled “Beacon of Light,” celebrating CIDJAP’s impact. The discussion session, moderated by Prof. Leo Ilechukwu, Vice Chancellor of Peace Land University, was intellectually engaging and spiritually enriching. Prof. Ilechukwu, himself a proud son of CIDJAP, delivered a touching goodwill message to Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike and the institute, reminiscing on his journey from seminarian to Deputy Director at CIDJAP.

The panel discussion, featuring Prof. Paschal Okolie, Dr. Amaka Ngene and Dr. Stella Ugwu, delved deeply into unemployment and proposed innovative solutions rooted in skill acquisition, integrity and partnership between the church, government and private sector. The audience actively participated, asking questions and offering meaningful contributions, making the session both lively and educative.

As the event drew to a close with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike, who appreciated all contributors, guests, and staff for sustaining CIDJAP’s mission. His words echoed gratitude and hope as he reaffirmed CIDJAP’s commitment to human development and service to God through humanity. One of the highlights of the celebration was a cheerful group photographs featuring staff, pupils, students and representatives of the Enugu State Correctional Centre capturing not just faces, but a legacy of faith, love and transformative service that has defined CIDJAP for 39 remarkable years.

Rev. Fr. Ifunanya Anieke, the Parish Priest of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Independence Layout, Enugu, took to the podium to lead the congregation in a moment of solemn thanksgiving and closing prayer. His words were filled with reverence and gratitude to God for His faithfulness upon CIDJAP over the past thirty-nine years. He prayed earnestly for the Founding Director, Very Rev. Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike, for divine strength and wisdom to continue shepherding the mission of justice, peace and human development.

The gathering bowed their heads in deep reflection as the soft echoes of his prayers filled the hall. In a serene and spirit-lifting conclusion, Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike gave the final blessings, calling on God’s continuous guidance upon all who serve, support and benefit from CIDJAP’s work. His blessing marked not just the end of an event but the renewal of commitment to keep building a society rooted in faith, compassion and integrity.

The audience departed with hearts full of joy and gratitude, inspired by the grace of God and the enduring light of CIDJAP’s mission.