By Charles Igwe
The Catholic Diocese of Umuahia has taken a significant step in support of environmental sustainability by donating two brand-new electric street sweeper and scraper vehicles to the Abia State Government. The initiative is aimed at boosting sanitation efforts and improving public hygiene, particularly within Umuahia, the state capital.
The donation reflects the Diocese’s commitment to community development and underscores the strong partnership that exists between the Church and the state government in promoting the wellbeing of the people. By providing the vehicles, the Diocese seeks to complement ongoing government efforts to maintain a cleaner and healthier environment across the state.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia, Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong, praised the Abia State Government for its visible dedication to environmental cleanliness. He specifically acknowledged the role of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency in driving sanitation initiatives and commended the administration for prioritizing public health.
Bishop Ukpong noted that the Church considers environmental care an important moral responsibility, emphasizing that the donation was inspired by the belief that cleanliness reflects respect for both God and humanity. He described the gesture as a sincere contribution by the Diocese to support policies and actions that enhance the quality of life of residents. The Bishop later blessed the vehicles and officially presented the keys to government representatives.
The ceremony was attended by officials and staff of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency, alongside priests and lay members of the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia, who witnessed the formal handover.
Delivering a vote of thanks, the Deputy General Manager of the agency, Catechist Ambrose Johah, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Bishop and the Diocese. He described the donation as timely and impactful, assuring that the electric sweepers would be efficiently utilized to improve sanitation services across the state.
Among those present at the event were the Vicar-General of the Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Chukwudi Anya; the Diocesan Financial Administrator, Rev. Fr. Tobias Ukeh; and the Cathedral Administrator, Rev. Fr. Anthony.
