Awada Zone 1 CWO Holds Grand Convention, Rallies Support for Shanahan University

By Polycarp Ifeanyi

The Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), Awada Zone 1, held a colourful zonal convention under the leadership of Iyom Ifeoma Onwugharam, with the theme: “Building Christ-Centred Families in an Ever-Changing World.”

The event, which took place at SS John and Paul Iba Pope Parish, Awada, Idemili North Local Government Area, commenced with a Holy Mass celebrated by the Parish Priest and CWO Chaplain, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Aloysius Agba.
The convention attracted dignitaries, including clergymen serving in parishes across Awada Zone 1, members of the political class, business leaders, and other invited guests.
Speaking after the Mass, Fr. Agba described the event as unprecedented and commended Iyom Onwugharam for her prudent leadership.
He said he was delighted by the massive turnout of CWO members from various parishes.
“This event demonstrates zeal and faith in God, the Church, and the Blessed Virgin Mary. The crowd came from Awada and beyond, including the Director of CWO, Onitsha Archdiocese, and her entourage,” Fr. Agba said.
He prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the organisation.
“I cancel every plan of the enemy in their lives. May the Lord direct and empower them spiritually and physically. Whatever they contributed towards this convention, God will reward them abundantly,” he added.
Lady Ngozi Nwanosike, Director of CWO, Onitsha Archdiocese, praised Iyom Onwugharam’s outstanding coordination and stated that the zonal organiser had effectively implemented resolutions reached during archdiocesan meetings.
“Our aim for this convention is to assist our Archbishop financially in the ongoing Shanahan University project. I am happy that the organiser performed excellently. The Awada zones are making commendable efforts,” Lady Nwanosike disclosed.
In an interview, the organiser of Awada Zone 1, Iyom Ifeoma Onwugharam, confirmed that proceeds from the convention would be used to support Archbishop Valerian Okeke’s Shanahan University project and fund empowerment programmes for indigent members.
She noted that Awada Zone 1 comprises seven parishes: SS John and Paul Iba Pope Parish, St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Holy Trinity Parish, Iwene Tansi Parish, St. Benedict Parish, St. Theresa of Calcutta Parish, and SS Peter and Paul Parish, all located within Awada.
Onwugharam stated that the convention is held every four to five years and attributed the success of her leadership to prayer, annual seminars, and consistent visits to members, particularly those who had become inactive in the organisation.
She commended the cordial relationship enjoyed with both past and present chaplains, describing the incumbent chaplain, Fr. Agba, as a dedicated and wonderful priest. She also thanked members for their individual donations and prayed that God would “replenish their pockets.”
The event featured cultural dance performances, the cutting of the convention cake, the installation of patrons and patronesses, the unveiling of Our Lady, the announcement of competition results, and the presentation of trophies to winners, among other activities.