ENUGU DIOCESE ERECTS ‘NNE NKE EBERE’ (MOTHER OF MERCY) HOSPITAL AT NGENEVU, DEDICATES FACILITY TO COMMUNITY SERVICE

(Mater Misericordia/Mother of Mercy) Hospital Ngenevu Coal Camp— a new community health facility built by the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP) of Enugu Diocese— to mark its 39th Anniversary as an institution, on Saturday 4 October 2025. This is in keeping with the church’s mission of healing the soul and the body.

The event, which followed CIDJAP’s 10th graduation at the institute’s headquarters, attracted clergy, university representatives, health workers, local leaders and scores of residents who turned out to celebrate the facility’s formal dedication to public service.

The blessing took place in the presence of CIDJAP founder and president, Rev. Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike, priests and religious sisters, representatives from the Enugu North Local Government, the hospital project team, and a large congregation of faithful who had gathered for the day’s programme.

The bishop also blessed a new vehicle donated for the use of CIDJAP’S Vocational Centre known as “Ọlụ Aka Dị Mma” invoking prayers that it serves safely the needs of the users.

Bishop Onaga praised CIDJAP and its founder for responding to local health needs, especially for the Ngenevu community that has over half a million population but without access to a good hospital.

He described the opening of Mater Misericordia Hospital as a concrete expression of Christian charity and social responsibility, saying the hospital will be a place of healing for the poor and a centre of compassionate service for families in the area. He thanked Prof. Obiora and the CIDJAP team for investing in the community and urged government

and civic partners to support the hospital’s work so it can reach those most in need.

Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike, who reflected on CIDJAP’s mission and the pastoral purpose of the new hospital said that “Mater Misericordia is a practical extension of the institute’s longstanding work in education, prison ministry, skills training and social outreach — a sign that faith must always find expression in works of mercy and tangible care for the vulnerable.

Msgr. Prof. Obiora thanked the many families, benefactors and partners whose support made the hospital possible. He reminded attendees that the facility was founded not for prestige but to meet urgent health needs in the local

community and to offer dignity and compassionate care to all who come through its doors. The founder urged healthcare workers and volunteers to serve with humility and professionalism so that the hospital may be a reliable resource for generations to come.

Community leaders and residents expressed gratitude after the ceremony. Several attendees noted that Mater Misericordia will fill a critical gap in primary and emergency care for families in Enugu and surrounding communities.

Organisers said the hospital will begin phased services immediately and will welcome partnerships from public and private sectors to scale its capacity and reach.

Bishop Onaga’s blessing set a spiritual foundation for the facility’s mission of healing and service to the poor.