By Polycarp Ifeanyi, Onitsha
Anambra philanthropist Godwin Chinedu Lucky Adimike has empowered 37 individuals with ₦19 million during the Faithspiration Initiative’s Night of Praise, Worship, and Mega Empowerment.
The event, solely sponsored by Mr. Adimike, took place at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Awka Etiti, in the Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Empowerment beneficiaries included 35 individuals who received ₦500,000 each, while two others were given ₦750,000 each, bringing the total to ₦19 million.
Call for Meaningful Ventures
Before the empowerment, which was witnessed by the President General of the Awka Etiti Improvement Union, Hon. Emeka Ezeoke, the Spiritual Director of the Faithspiration Initiative, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. George Adimike, urged the beneficiaries to invest the funds wisely. He reminded them that the training they received was designed to prepare them for productive ventures and not to squander the money.
Similarly, the Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Paul Ihebighi, expressed gratitude to Mr. Adimike for his generosity, noting that this year’s empowerment surpassed previous efforts.
The Vice Chairman of the Parish Council, Agudo Chike Okpala, encouraged beneficiaries to be good stewards of the funds, praying for their success and urging them to uplift others in return.
Sponsor’s Challenge
Speaking at the event, Mr. Adimike encouraged the beneficiaries to apply the knowledge from their training sessions, challenging them to empower others by the following year. He revealed that his philanthropic efforts stemmed from a covenant with God, describing the initiative as a stepping stone for others in Awka Etiti to emulate.
Beneficiaries included Obiora Ugochukwu, Afoma Umechukwu, Ejike Nwabueze, Nkechi Okoli, Ogbaji Chinedu, Udechukwu Njideka, Jideofor Onyeka, Obi Chigozie Mathias, Nduka Faith, and Chukwuma Udeaja, among others.
Night of Spiritual Teaching
The event, themed “Walking in Dominion, Marching into Greatness,” also featured spiritual teachings led by Rev. Fr. Johnbosco Igwe. He addressed key concerns among youths, including:
The validity of Oke-ite and ritual money as part of Igbo tradition.
Whether Christianity is a scam.
The impact of Christianity on Igbo culture.
Fr. Johnbosco explained that Igbo culture has four dimensions: economic, political, social, and religious. He highlighted the industrious nature of the Igbo people, their political awareness, and their rich traditions, including practices involving traditional healers like Dibia-Afa and Dibia-Alusi.
However, he dismissed Dibia-Oke ite (ritual money practices) as unconnected to Igbo tradition and warned youths against such patronage. He emphasized that Christianity is not a scam, citing its contributions to education, healthcare, and development in Igboland.
He concluded, “Do not support false versions of Christianity. Build your faith on Christ, not on human beings. If you stop attending church, you harm yourself, not God.”
Faithspiration Initiative’s Mission
Responding to journalists, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. George Adimike explained that the Faithspiration Initiative was inspired by the Holy Spirit to reignite faith in society.
“It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness,” he said. “Faith in Jesus Christ inspires love and hope. Without faith, love cannot thrive. This initiative aims to revive faith, drawing people closer to God and encouraging them to live as His children.”
Fr. Adimike expressed optimism for Nigerian youths in 2025, calling it a “jubilee year of hope.” He assured attendees, “Before things become unbearable, God will intervene. Keep the faith.”
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