Marking his 50th birthday anniversary on Tuesday, 25th February 2025, the Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Nwifuru, donated the church to the Catholic Church of Abakaliki Diocese.
Nwifuru built the church in Edukwu Achi in the Agbaja community in the Izzi local government area of Ebonyi State.
Interacting with journalists, the governor
expressed happiness he celebrated his 50th birthday during the dedication of the church - Emmanuel Parish Edukwu Achi Agbaja.
Nwifuru said his 50 birthday celebration signified that he is no more a boy but a man and further described the gesture as a testament to God’s faithfulness, grace, and blessings in his life, family and the lives of the Ebonyi people.
“From the very beginning of my journey in public service, I have always acknowledged that all power belongs to God.
“The ability to lead, the wisdom to govern, and the strength to serve come only from God. It is in recognition of His goodness that I resolved to build this house of worship.
“Today, as we dedicate this sanctuary, I pray that it becomes a beacon of faith, love, and hope for the people.
“As a government, we recognize the role of the Church in shaping morals, promoting, championing peace, and guiding society towards righteousness.
“It is this singular role of the church that the society has not completely been overrun by evil.
“This is the reason we will continue to support religious institutions in their divine mission of spreading love, justice, equity, moral rectitude and above all, holiness,” the governor stated.
The Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Most Rev Peter Nworie-Chukwu, extolled Governor Nwifuru for building the Church not only for the parish but the Catholic community in the state.
Nworie-Chukwu prayed that God would continue to protect and preserve the governor and ensure excellent leadership for the benefit of humanity.
