The lot of 41 women and girls of the Festac Deanery, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos got a lift last Sunday, when the Confraternity of Christian Mothers, CCM of the Deanery boosted their businesses with 100 hundred thousand naira each. The event held at Christ the King Catholic Church, Canal Estate, Okota, Lagos, brought together a large number of women from the 11 Parishes that make up the Festac Deanery. Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Elizabeth Emily Daniel, the Deanery Coordinator, said that in September, 2023, the association held its Pet Project Programme of fund raising for Women/Girls empowerment, with the generous support of members.
Daniel noted that when a woman is empowered, a nation is empowered, adding that when women are living safe, fulfilled and productive lives, they can reach their full potentials, contributing their skills to the workforce and raising happier and healthier children and families. She said the confraternity is not only empowering indigent mothers in their midst, but also intends to take young girls out of the street, and assist them in starting up good businesses. Disclosing that this is the second project executed in her tenure, she said in their first project they were able to feed 558 less privileged children, with packaged raw food including rice, seasoning, salt, oil and tomato sachet.
She prayed that the beneficiaries will use the money given to them wisely, adding that God will bless and multiply it through the intercession of Blessed Mother Mary. Rev. Fr. Gilbert Osilama, representative of Rev. Fr. Robert Oji, Chaplain, CCM, Festac and Parish Priest, Christ the King Catholic Church, thanked God for the wonderful initiative and support of the CCM, especially with the economic situation of the country. Reminding them that Jesus Himself the son of a carpenter, worked with Joseph, he asked the beneficiaries to utilise the funds given to them well. He said Jesus did not fold His hands, neither did He perform miracles for His parents to feed, adding that Joseph himself did not sit idle, asking Christ to make food or money available since He was God.
He urged the women to work and put whatever talent God has given them to good use, adding that the initiative from the CCM is a show of love and concern to fellow women who are in need. Sr. Justina Nelson, Sister Adviser, CCM, Festac Deanery, thanked the CCM for the initiative which she said will put smiles on the faces of the beneficiaries, as she assured them that whatever they do for the less privileged is done for Christ. She stressed that when someone receives help from another, the person will give thanks to God, who in turn, gives thanks to the benefactor through more blessings.
