The sacredness of human life from the very beginning of conception till death took the center stage of discussions during the pro-life conference held at Catholic Retreat Centre, Okpuno.
The conference which attracted state government officials, priests and seminarians from different Catholic Diocese including Nurses and host of other participants, seeks to emphasize the sanctity of life against abortions, suicide, killings and other unwholesome activities against the human life.
The Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, Peter Cardinal Okpalaeke in keynote address centered on the theme of the conference; “Building a Culture of Life in Africa” explained that African culture upholds the human life sacred as reflected through names as ‘Ndubuisi’ ‘Ndubueze’ and ‘Ndukaku’ and stressed that taking of any human life in African culture is a taboo.
Cardinal Okpalaeke represented by Reverend Father Michael Monwe noted that God is the source of life and cautioned that the increasing embrace of western culture should not undermine the sanctity of human life.
In their remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, his Culture, Entertainment and Tourism counterpart, Comrade Don Onyenji and the Chief Medical Director, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku-Awka, Dr. Joe Akabuike explained that human life must be respected, as Africa must hold tenaciously to their culture which values life.
Also speaking, Monsignor Jerome Madueke remarked that people value their lives but due to selfishness and greed prevalent in the society, the lives of others seem to be of less valued value to them , emphasizing that all life must be protected, defended and preserved which religious faith and even cultures beckon on
The Country Director of Human Life International and the organizer of the conference, Mr. Chizoba Nnagboh, remarked that the group seeks to protect human and family life, pointing out that freedom is not absolute as humans are responsible to God the creator of human life even when they have the freewill of choice.
Some participants in the programme, including, Seminarians Mark Adukwu, Jude Ogbonnia and Nurses Seraphina Chinemelum and Chukwuemeka Ezenwamma noted that the programme has positively impacted on them especially as it concerns the sacredness of human life from the day of conception through birth and throughout life.
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