CWO Catholic Diocese of Nnewi Concludes 2026 August Meeting, Empowers 10 Indigent Women with ₦1 Million

The Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi has concluded its 2026 August Meeting with the empowerment of ten indigent women with a total of ₦1 million.

The event, held on Friday, August 14, 2026, at the Marian Hall, Nnewi, began with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye.

The Mass was concelebrated by the CWO Emeritus Chaplain, Very Rev. Fr. Hyginus Aghaulor; the Cathedral Administrator and CWO Chaplain, Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Ezefunamba; Frs.Emmanuel Chukwujekwu; Peter Ogbulie.

In his homily, Bishop Okoye described God as merciful and called on the Catholic women to embrace humility, obedience and truthfulness. He also cautioned against divorce, stressing the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman and noting that polygamy was not in keeping with the Christian understanding of marriage.

The Bishop further urged members of the CWO to remain steadfast in truth and faith. He cited the example of the late Mrs. Marcellina Emejulu of St. Mary Mother of God Parish, Ihiala, who, according to him, demonstrated extraordinary faith during the challenges at St. Martin of Tours Parish, Ihiala.

Bishop Okoye recalled that Mrs. Emejulu once brought her personal wrapper to be used as an altar cloth so that a priest could celebrate Mass. He said her action and commitment to the faith challenged his own faith and described her as a saintly woman.

The Bishop also warned those who, in his words, fight against the Church, urging the women to remain firm in their faith and support the mission of the Church.

After the Mass, Bishop Okoye congratulated the Diocesan Director of CWO, Hon. Lady Felicia Esotu, and members of her executive for their contributions to the growth of the organisation and the Diocese.

He expressed appreciation to the women for their continued support of the Diocese and encouraged them to sustain their commitment.

The Bishop also acknowledged and thanked Senator Emmanuel Nwachukwu, representing Anambra South Senatorial District, and Hon. Kingsley Obiukwu, a candidate for the Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, as well as Mr. Oluchukwu Ezinwa, represented at the occasion by Hon. Ebuka Onunkwo, for their support for the CWO.

Speaking at the occasion, the Diocesan Director of CWO, Hon. Lady Felicia Esotu, expressed appreciation to Bishop Okoye for making time to celebrate with the women.

She also thanked the CWO Chaplain, Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Ezefunamba; the CWO Emeritus Chaplain, Very Rev. Fr. Hyginus Aghaulor; and the other priests who concelebrated the Mass.

Lady Esotu equally appreciated the Chairman of the occasion, Col. Alex Ifeagwazi (Ofulu Mma Mee), and Rev. Sr. Onyinye Ikenna, CWO Sister Adviser. She also commended Lady Winifred Mkparu (Laux), Barr. Ngozi Obi, CWO Secretary, Nnewi Diocese, and other dignitaries who participated in the event.

In her welcome address, Lady Esotu thanked Bishop Okoye for his care, support and encouragement to the CWO.

She disclosed that the organisation had recorded several achievements, including the purchase of a large shop at Nkwo Nnewi Market, empowerment of 20 JS1 students, re-construction of the CWO Hall, and financial assistance to charitable institutions.

According to her, the CWO donated ₦300,000 to RECDOT Home and ₦200,000 to Divine Mercy Sisters' Motherless Babies Home, alongside food items and toiletries, during the 2026 WUCWO Week.

She also highlighted the ongoing hostel project at Queen of the Rosary College, Amichi, as one of the organisation's major projects.

In his contribution, Very Rev. Fr. Hyginus Aghaulor commended the women for their efforts and contributions to the Diocese. He urged them to work in an orderly and coordinated manner for the continued growth of the organisation and the Church.

In his remarks, Senator Emmanuel Nwachukwu thanked members of the CWO for their contributions to the Church and society. He encouraged them to live dedicated Christian lives and remain exemplary mothers in their families and communities.

The high points of the occasion included the cutting of the anniversary cake, empowerment of the ten indigent women, presentation of gifts and an auction sale organised by members of the CWO.]