Hon. Oden Ewa, the Honourable Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, has once again demonstrated his deep commitment to community development and the growth of faith-based institutions with a fresh donation of N10,000,000 to the Holy Cross Catholic Church. The donation was made during a thanksgiving Mass held in honour of his late father, a devout Christian whose lifetime of faith and service continues to inspire the family.
This latest contribution comes in addition to an earlier N4,000,000 support already extended by the commissioner toward the ongoing church project. According to him, the church remains one of the strongest agents of socialization, moral direction, and peace-building in society. Strengthening its physical and spiritual structures, therefore, becomes essential in ensuring that its advocacy for morality, discipline, and communal harmony continues to thrive.
Hon. Ewa, himself an ex-seminarian, expressed profound gratitude to the church for the moral grounding and intellectual formation he received during his early years. He noted that the values instilled in him have served as the compass guiding his conduct in public and private life. Supporting the church, he said, is both a duty and an expression of gratitude for the formative role the institution has played in shaping his worldview.
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In his remarks, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Monk James Ukatu, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the commissioner’s generosity. He explained that the church, which has existed for nearly eight decades, has long desired a befitting place of worship that reflects beauty, dignity, and spiritual majesty. Despite the efforts of parishioners, the demands of completing the project have been enormous.
He noted that since his posting to the parish, Hon. Oden Ewa’s intervention stands out as the first substantial support of its kind. “ _I was not even expecting this kind of support because all we have ever received from politicians was audio money—promises without fulfilment,” he remarked. “But this act of integrity and truth to what Hon. Oden Ewa represents is shocking, inspiring, and deeply appreciated by the entire worship community.”_
Also speaking, the Director of Administration, Dr Usani Joseph delivering the promise told the church coiluncil members that the commissioner’s commitment to community development is holistic and far-reaching. He explained that Hon. Ewa’s vision goes beyond health, education, and social welfare; it recognizes the pivotal role of religious institutions in shaping society. “ _He understands that God remains the primus inter pares—the first among equals—and that supporting the church is fundamental to supporting the community,”_ he stated.
The Director lauded the commissioner for the numerous tangible contributions he has made across various sectors, noting that the consistency of his support reflects a rare blend of leadership, humility, and compassion. He admonished the church’s administrative arm to remain committed to transparency, proper stewardship, and sustained collaboration that will enhance the development of the parish and the surrounding community.
With these contributions, Hon. Oden Ewa has not only uplifted the Holy Cross Catholic Church but also reaffirmed his dedication to strengthening institutions that foster moral order, unity, and spiritual renewal. His gesture stands as a model of responsible leadership and a testament to the enduring impact of faith in public service.
Dr Usani Joseph Ofem
Director of Administration
Oden Ewa Foundation
