Enugu Philanthropist Gives Back, Dedicates Church Built for His Community

By Polycarp Ifeanyi, Onitsha

Residents of Ugwuetiti Amanisodo-Oghe in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State are set to witness a landmark spiritual and social upliftment as a renowned philanthropist and community son, Mr. SteveMary Amaechi Davidson Kanife, prepares to dedicate a magnificent edifice of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, which he single-handedly built for the community.
The dedication, thanksgiving, and empowerment ceremony is scheduled to hold on January 24, 2026, and will be presided over by His Lordship, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese. The event is expected to attract numerous dignitaries, clergy, parishioners, youths, and community members, many of whom are also expected to benefit from empowerment initiatives planned alongside the ceremony.
Mr. Davidson Kanife, popularly known as “Izaga for Christ,” embarked on what many describe as a rare and remarkable journey of faith by constructing the Church edifice within a period of two years and three months, a feat that has continued to inspire admiration across the state.
Kanife is the Chief Executive Officer of Coral-Stone Aluminum Products Ltd., Onitsha, a devout Catholic, and a committed member of the Faithspiration Initiative, a Catholic faith-based movement dedicated to evangelisation, charity, empowerment, and the promotion of authentic Christian witness in public life.
His personal journey, observers note, embodies the core values of the movement—generosity, obedience to God’s call, and practical love for humanity.
Speaking with journalists, Mr. Kanife described the Church not as a monument to human achievement, but as a sacred edifice built through divine guidance.
“This Church is not my project,” “It is God’s work. He simply chose me, in His infinite wisdom, as an instrument.”he said.
According to him, the journey began on October 31, 2021, during a thanksgiving Mass held in his village to mark the dedication of his triplets and the house-warming of his family home. After the Mass, a Reverend Sister delivered a prophetic message indicating that God desired him to build a Church for Him.
“At first, it sounded like a spiritual prompting,” “but it soon became a concrete mission, strengthened through prayer and the counsel of my lawyer and godfather, Barr. P. U. P. Onuorah, who encouraged me to entrust both the vision and the resources entirely to God.”Kanife recalled.
By September 2023, tangible progress had been made. The parish house was completed and blessed, and discussions intensified on constructing a permanent Church building. With the support of the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. John Ugwa, a building committee was constituted. An earlier architectural design prepared by a former Parish Priest could not be located, necessitating the development of a fresh design from scratch.
Although Kanife initially intended to commence the project modestly and later expand it through parish-wide fundraising, guidance from diocesan authorities shaped a different approach. He was advised to continue construction up to the DPC level before further formal blessings and communal fundraising could commence.
Motivated by this directive and the enthusiasm of the Parish Priest, Kanife, after consulting with his wife, resolved to begin foundation work immediately.
By Christmas 2023, the foundation had been completed—an important milestone in the project. In a moment many parishioners now describe as deeply symbolic, the first Holy Mass was celebrated inside the unfinished Church on Christmas Day, even as construction work continued.
By January 2024, block-laying commenced, with deliberate emphasis on structural integrity and durability. This phase of the project coincided with a period of severe national economic hardship, as well as Kanife’s simultaneous effort to build his family house in Onitsha.
Despite these challenges, progress continued steadily. In December 2024, a second Holy Mass was celebrated in the Church building—this time without canopies, with plastic chairs arranged inside the structure.
Kanife recalled that during that Mass, the Parish Priest expressed strong faith that within one year, the Church would undergo a remarkable transformation.
At a point, Kanife said he contemplated stepping aside to allow the project transition into a fully community-funded initiative. However, a moment of deep spiritual reflection during Divine Mercy prayers with his wife changed the course of events.
“I resolved to take full responsibility for completing the Church before finishing my personal house,” “Without any public announcement, and despite fears about the adequacy of resources, I informed the Parish Priest that I would complete the Church alone and make it ready for dedication.”he said.
Reflecting on his motivation, Kanife emphasized that charity and service to humanity are inseparable from service to God.
“I do not give because I have excess,” “I give because I know what it means not to have. Service to humanity is service to God Almighty. I may not have seen God physically, but I see Him in my fellow human beings. Whatever I do to you, I do unto God.”he said.
He further noted that life on earth is temporary, but the impact of one’s deeds endures.
“We are only visitors in this world. One day we shall all depart. Our stay on earth is limited, but what we achieve while living remains forever.”he said.
Kanife used the opportunity to express heartfelt appreciation to his wife and children, the entire Amansiodo-Oghe community, and his friends and spiritual mentors for their prayers, encouragement, and unwavering support. He specifically acknowledged Rev. Fr. John Ugwa, his spiritual director Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma (Fr. Ebube Muonso), Brother Emmanuel Muobiokwu, Barr. P. U. P. Onuorah, Esq., and Rev. Fr. Dr. George Adimike.
The forthcoming dedication ceremony, many believe, will not only mark the completion of a physical structure but also stand as a lasting testament to faith, sacrifice, and selfless service to God and humanity.