2026 Praise Day:Ave Maria Prayer Ministry Dedicates Empowerment Project Centres, Women’s Wing Bus

By Juliana Nwachukwu

Ave Maria Prayer Ministry, Ifite Awka, Anambra State, at the weekend dedicated its Ministry Empowerment Project Centres and unveiled a shuttle bus for its Women’s Wing as part of activities marking its 2026 Praise Day celebration.
The event, which aligns with Governor Charles Soludo’s human capital development agenda, took place at the ministry’s prayer arena in Ifite Awka.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Spiritual Director of the ministry, Dr. Bro. Livinus Okeke, explained that the empowerment centres, anchored on an agro-based mini industry, were established to alleviate hardship, create employment opportunities, generate funds for ministry projects, empower vulnerable individuals, and promote self-reliance among members.
According to him, the agro-based mini industry is involved in the processing of garri and cassava flakes, palm oil processing and packaging, palm kernel oil extraction, grinding and processing of cereals, as well as the production of feed for poultry, fish, and pig farming.
“To the glory of God, all the major machines required for these operations have been successfully acquired,” he stated.
Dr. Okeke also highlighted other achievements recorded by the ministry, including the acquisition of an additional parcel of land, the completion of a roof replacement project for the prayer house, the fencing and integration of the newly acquired land with the existing property, and the completion of the prayer arena.
He further disclosed that through its scholarship foundation, the ministry has sponsored the education of numerous indigent students.
“Through the scholarship scheme, the ministry has successfully sponsored and graduated 25 persons from universities, 40 from secondary schools, and 12 from primary schools.
“Currently, three students are enrolled in universities, two are in secondary schools, and two are in primary schools under the sponsorship programme,” he said.
Speaking shortly after the dedication of the project centres, the Chairman of the occasion, Barr. Udoka Anugwu, recounted several testimonies and personal experiences since joining the ministry.
He encouraged members to participate in the ministry’s programmes with faith, commitment, and a clear sense of purpose, noting that he had no regrets being a member of the ministry.
The Guest of Honour, Chief Ekene Akajiaku, an oil and gas entrepreneur, performed the unveiling of the Women’s Wing shuttle bus.
Other dignitaries who spoke at the event included the Father of the Day, Hon. Alfred Okafor, President-General of Omasi Kingdom, and Mrs. Chinweze Okwi, Director in the Anambra State Ministry of Lands.
The 2026 Praise Day celebration, an annual programme organised to thank God for His blessings from January to June and to seek divine guidance and protection for the remaining months of the year, also featured special prayers for pregnant and expectant mothers, as well as the dedication of babies.