In a record breaking event as the first of its kind in Nigeria and in the wake of security challenges in the South East of Nigeria, the Catholic Diocese of Enugu has formally inaugurated the Diocesan Catholic Community Neighborhood Watch, a security initiative aimed at promoting peace, vigilance, and collaboration between the Church and state security agencies.
The commissioning ceremony, held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu, brought together clergy, government officials, security operatives, and members of the Catholic community. The Catholic Bishop of Enugu was represented by the Diocesan Financial Administrator, Very Rev. Fr. Sylvanus Ugwu.
The Neighborhood Watch is designed to enhance community-based security, safeguard lives and property, and strengthen trust among parish communities.
Speaking on behalf of the Enugu State Governor, Hon. Prof. Mrs. Benedicta Okolie, Commissioner for Human Development and Poverty Eradication, commended the initiative, describing it as “a timely response to the challenges of insecurity and poverty reduction.” She assured the State Government’s readiness to partner with the Church in ensuring safer communities. The commissioner also handed over the certificate as well as the constitution of the State Neighborhood Association to the Diocesan Director of Security Commission, Fr. Ogbozor Victor, who in turn will hand them over to the Bishop.
The Diocesan Director of the Security Commission and Chief Security Officer, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Victor Ogbozor, the brainchild behind this security outfit, stressed that security goes beyond physical protection, noting that it encompasses safeguarding human dignity and fostering peace. He urged members of the Neighborhood Watch to uphold discipline, faith, and commitment in carrying out their duties. He thanked the Bishop of Enugu, Most Rev. C.V.C. Onaga for supporting the initiative and funding the activities of the Security Commission of the Diocese. He is the pioneer chairman of the Enugu Diocesan Catholic Community Neighborhood Watch.
Also present were security stakeholders including Mr. Onuigbo Emmanuel, Chief Security Officer of Enugu North Local Government; Mr. Ozombachi Uchenna, State Head of Neighborhood Watch; Mr. Osonkwo Chidozie Aloysius, State Secretary of Neighborhood Watch; as well as diocesan officials such as Rev. Fr. Dr. Chukwudi Onuigbo, Chairman of the Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), and Rev. Fr. Ezeakunwanne Peter, Deputy Chief Security Officer of the Diocese.
In a brief interaction with our correspondent, Rev. Fr. Col. Anthony Ozoani (rtd), Consultant to the Diocesan Security Commission, emphasized that the Neighborhood Watch was established to “bridge the gap between security agencies and the community,” pledging continued support, training, and mentorship to strengthen its operations.
During the inauguration, members of the Neighborhood Watch took an oath of allegiance and commitment, administered under the supervision of diocesan and state representatives. The event featured prayers, blessings, and official commissioning of the officers.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Rev. Fr. Ozoani expressed appreciation to the state government, security operatives, clergy, and lay faithful for their support. He described the initiative as “an ongoing effort that will grow stronger through unity and collaboration.”
In the bishop’s stead, Fr. Sylvanus Ugwu blessed the office of the Diocesan Security Commission which oversees the affairs of the various security outfits including the Spiritus Sanctus Security Services (SSSS) Ltd, Enugu Diocesan Catholic Community Neighborhood Watch, The MOD ( Man of Order and Discipline), the Boys Scouts, The Girls Guide, the Church Wardens, The Block Rosary Brigades, etc.
The commissioning of the Enugu Diocesan Catholic Community Neighborhood Watch is widely regarded as a milestone in strengthening community security and fostering cooperation between the Church, government, and local communities for the common good.
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