Holy Trinity Anglican Parish, Ifite-Nibo in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State will host the 38th Awka Diocesan Women’s Conference(ADWOC) from 20th to 23rd June, 2024. Delegates to the conference are from all the parishes in the Diocese and the theme of this year’s conference is ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me’ (Genesis 32: 36). Many activities are line up fort the conference, including: an address by the President of the conference Dr. (Mrs) Martha Ibezim (Nneoma), President Mother’s Union, Women’s Guild and Girl’s Guide, Province of the Niger and Diocese of Awka on Friday, 21st June, 2024, followed by its launching.
Another highlight of the conference is the clergy wives Album’s presentation, on Saturday, 22ndJune, 2024. The conference profile mother presentation and launching of the 38th edition of the Diocesan Women’s Christian family magazine will take place on Sunday, 23rd June, 2024. The conference ends on Sunday, June 23rd,with a special church service of thanksgiving at 10am to be officiated by the Archbishop Province of the Niger and Bishop, Diocese of Awka , Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim, assisted by the clergymen of Awka Diocese. During this service, the conference cake will also be presented and launched subsequently.
The women ministry in the Diocese of Awka led by the President has successfully maintained various statutory programmes. In addition to these, there are faith projects that have been put in place. Worthy of mention are the Mary-Summer Vocational Institute, Awka for the training of young girls, and future mothers in different vocations, Faith Children’s Community Home, Awka, Queens Convent, Awka, whose students have continued to maintain outstanding WAEC and NECO results, Millennium College of Nursing and Renaissance Modern Polytechnic, Mbaukwu among others.
It is pertinent to add that the fund raising for the building of a befitting Chapel in the Queens Convent is one of the major projects of the women and believe God for the successful realization of this dream during this conference. Historically, Ifite is one of the four villages that make up Nibo town with St. Matthew’s Church
located at Ozueke which is a good distance from Ifite resulting to a long trek and suffering by Ifite people in order to attend church services and other activities. During one of the Men’s Christian Associations meeting at Saint Matthew’s Church, a motion was moved for an offshoot of the church be planted in Ifite village. The motion was supported and approved by the house. The Church building to be erected would also accommodate the church school. Machineries were put in motion towards actualization of this dream. Subsequently, a piece of land opposite Isiogwugwu shrine was acquired for the project. In 1961, the building was completed, dedicated and opened for use and school activities.
The need for the expansion of the church in Ifite became inevitable and a large portion of land was donated by the Umuizogu quarters and Nwankwo Oyiliagu family of Umuchimenebo quarter for the expansion of the church building with the workers’ quarters in 1976 and 1978 respectively. The new permanent church building foundation was laid in 1981 by the Most Reverend MSc Anikwenwa of blessed memory on the 16th June, 1990, and the church was dedicated on the 14th April1994.
In 2020 the church was renovated to the present modern standard and re-dedicated by Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim on 29th December, 2020.
The successful story of the church was made possible by untiring efforts of the. clergy and church workers who shepherded the flock. The Home and Abroad women’s general meeting played out their roles as well as the Men’s Christian fellowship. Today, the modernizing efforts by the people of God produced the present modernized Holy Trinity Parish Ifite-Nibo, that will be hosting the 38th Awka Diocesan Women’s conference. It is important to note that this year’s conference also marks the enrolment of women into the Diocesan Mother’s Union which is an umbrella for all married and wedded Christian Women in the Diocese. These women are looked upon as role models for other women both in their families, churches and communities.
Dr (Mrs) Martha Ibezim who is the President of the conference, the Vice Presidents, the delegates and the ADWOC Planning Committee, warmly welcome the Archbishop and Bishop, Diocesan officials, legal team, government officials, special guests, friends, well wishers, the press and lovers of the church to the Holy Trinity Parish Ifite-Nibo. May you be really blessed as you come in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Awka Diocese! Viacrucis!!!
Written by CHIKA OSINOMUMU
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