In a bid to cater to the nutritional needs of people in Festac, Lagos state, Nigeria and the world at large, Catholic Women Organisation of Nigeria, Lagos Archdiocese, Festac Deanery, CWONLAFED, unveiled food products, produced in its packaging centre. The event held at the Catholic Church of the Nativity, 6th Avenue, Festac Town, attended by women from the 11 parishes that make up the Festac Deanery, was an avenue to showcase various food products, as well as snacks made and packaged by the CWO. Mrs. Bernadine Ifeoma Eloka, Coordinator, Catholic Women Organisation, Lagos Archdiocese, Festac Deanery said the main reason for the project is basically in fulfilment to what Jesus Christ taught, which was confirmed by Mother Mary that people be compassionate to the less privileged. She said it is the compassion the CWO has for the majority of the women who are less privileged and do not have any work or business, that they (CWO) ventured into the product packaging and empowerment programme.
According to Eloka, “Festac Deanery is driven by the needy around us and the need to empower them and give them jobs, teach them how to fish, not just giving them fish because we believe that by the time they start up with this little empowerment that we are giving them today, in few months’ time, they will be in the position to empower others. “Zachariah 4:10, states that we should not despise the days of little beginnings.
Though the items of empowerment may seem so small and insignificant, but with the help of God, and through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, they manage these little items of empowerment today. With time, it’s going to blossom, expand and enlarge: and those empowered now will equally be able to support other women who don’t have anything doing.” Fr. Sylvester Oladunjoye, Parish Priest, Catholic Church of the Nativity commended the women for their collective spirit and determination to achieve their purpose.
He said he was in full support of the women’s project because empowering people is one of the things the Catholic Church does in various ways. Calling on the people to support the women, Fr. Oladunjoye said human mercy is very important to the Church, which does all it needs to do for the growth of the human person. Ezinne Uche Alex –Okeke, immediate past Coordinator, CWO, Festac Deanery and Financial Secretary, Catholic Women Organisation of Nigeria, Lagos Archdiocese, CWONLA, gave thanks to God for granting the women’s hearts’ desires and making their dream come true.
Praying that the Blessed Mother Mary continues to intercede for them, and that by God’s grace the CWO in Festac Deanery will not relent, nor be tired, she commended the coordinator, whom she said is doing wonderfully well for the deanery. Chairman on the occasion, Chief Cyril Onyia commended the women for coming up with the project, which he described as a great vision, as he added that the Lord Jesus believed in the importance of work.
