Speaking at the third season of the Faithspiration Initiative, an empowerment and faith-driven project founded by Rev. Fr. Dr. George Adimike, Director of Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha and Chief Press Secretary to Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Maduka Okeke, Obi stated that Nigeria is currently not operating from all angles.
Obi, who also helped empower at least thirty young people throughout the program, claimed that government leaders’ greed, corruption, insecurity, and lack of responsibility have completely upended the nation to the point where Nigerians are currently unsure of their future.
“I was born and bred in Onitsha and up till now I still live in Onitsha from where I travel to any part of the world for a business venture and come back to my house here in Onitsha because I don’t have any other house any other place than in Onitsha here,” he said, praising Fr. Adimike, the founder of the Faithspiration Initiative, for organizing the empowerment program.
Obi, who also helped provide N500,000 to each of the 30 recipients, advised them to utilize the money wisely and stay committed to having a significant effect.
“Money doesn’t make one happy,” he said. The lives you have influenced and the things you can share with others are what bring you joy. Don’t let anyone convince you that having all the money in the world won’t make you happy. Go out and pursue what would alter the world instead of going after money. Money will come if you are among those who wish to make a difference in the world. Encourage yourself; if you do the right thing, you will surpass me.
The event, which took place at the Basilica Square of the Most Holy Trinity in Onitsha and had the theme “Ablazed with the Fire of God,” brought together important stakeholders, church officials, and young people.
Fr. Adimike had previously stated in his introductory remarks that he started the project based on the four cardinal principles of “E”: Evangelism, Education, Entertainment, and Empowerment. He also mentioned that many young people had already been empowered since the program’s founding a few years prior during seasons 1 and 2.
Fr. Adimike claims that at least thirty young people have received N15 million, or N500,000 each beneficiary, in empowerment to help them stand on their own two feet and contribute to society and themselves without committing crimes.
Adimike revealed that members of the House of Representatives representing the Idemili North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Uchenna Harris Annie-Okonkwo, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Sly Ezeokenwa, the Senator representing the Anambra Central Senatorial District, Sir Victor Umeh, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Janksmay Global Services, Engr. Ifeanyi Michael Onwuachu, and others contributed a significant portion of the N15 million empowerment package.
Fr. insisted that the program’s goal was to empower and direct young people toward productive and faith-driven lives. Adimike went on to say that in order to ensure their sustainability in their various endeavors, recipients were carefully chosen after going through their applications, interviews, screening, and training before being given the financial empowerment to assist them.
However, Fr. George suggested that Faithspiration is a platform that helps young people get closer to God and that both Catholics and non-Catholics can benefit from the empowerment.
In particular, he praised Archbishop Valerian Okeke, who was physically present at the occasion, saying that the idea was inspired by the archbishop’s dedication to youth development.
He said, “We owe our progress to the Archbishop, who inspired and supported the initiative.” This program is actually a component of youth evangelization.
Hon. Annie-Okonkwo, Ezeokenwa, Onwuachu, and Patrick Agha Mba were among the other sponsors in attendance.
Comedians and gospel musicians performed during the forum’s entertainment sections, and Rev. Fr. Johnbosco Igwe gave a talk titled “Six Allegations Against Christianity in Igboland.”
Hon. Tony Nwora, the chairman of the Onitsha North Local Government Area, and Hon. Ebuka Igwe, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly representing the Idemili South Constituency, were among the other dignitaries present.
