By Victor Nwegede
It was all fun-fair on Thursday 19th November 2020 as the Regina Pacis Foundation Okpoduma Nwofe, Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State celebrated its 16th anniversary and thanksgiving amidst pomp and pageantry.
Established in 2005 by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Barcelona Hotels, a subsidiary of EDON Group of Companies, the Foundation has clocked 16 years impacting lives positively.
The colourful event turned to a carnival of some sorts as dignitaries took turns to catch their fun from the various side attractions that added glamour at the event.
In a homily during a holy mass officiated by the Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Right Reverend Bishop Nnachi Okoro represented by Monsignor Jerome Anaeto, the Preacher, Reverend Father Chukwuebuka Ahaña enjoined the people to retrace their steps and embrace peace while praying God to heal and restore normalcy to Nigeria following COVID-19 pandemic and the #EndSARS protests.
Reverend Father Ahaña also appealed to the high and mighty in the society to use their positions and wealth to affect lives positively in order to give hope to the hopeless in the society.
The Chairman Board of Trustees of the Foundation, Reverend Father Johnpaul Nwankwo said the Foundation has trained over 28000 persons in various trades including but not limited to ICT, Technology, entrepreneurship within the last 16 years through the Regina Pacis Vocational Institute and called on the people to always send their children and wards to the Institute to empower them economically.
The Founder and vision bearer of the Foundation, Chief Sir Architect Dr. Edward Nkwegu (EDON) said the Foundation was his own way of encouraging self sufficiency amongst the people.
He called on people especially the youths to de-emphasize reliance on non existent white collar jobs but take to entrepreneurship to remain economically viable.
Chairman of the Occasion, Chief Louis Uguru commended the Founder and Board of Trustees for the wonderful way they have consistently given new lease of hope to the hopeless through its mouth watering programmes.
Dignitaries, friends and well wishers of the Foundation including the Chairman of Ebonyi State Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Mines, Chief Eze Emmanuel Eze, Former SSA to the Governor on Higher Education, Professor Adaeze Nwuzor, Former Minister for Power and Steel, Chief Goddy Ogbaga, Former EBSIEC Chairman, Dr John Nkwuda, Chieftain of APC Chief Enyi C. Enyi and Former Auditor General for Local Government, Chief Boniface Ezzaegu congratulated the Founder, Board of Trustees and Staff of Regina Pacis Foundation for the milestone achieved and relished being part of the success story.
The event attended by the political class, business, religious and traditional institutions featured exhibition of Izzi cultural artefacts, cultural displays by the popular Ichangara energetic dance amongst other side attractions while Reverend Father Jude Agama was invested as the 2020 Reverend Father of the year whereas those who distinguished themselves in Soccer, Lawn Tennis and other games played on Wednesday as part of programmes lined up for the festival received their awards.
It could be recalled that the Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly Right Honourable Francis Nwifuru was among dignitaries that graced the occasion.
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