The Deputy Managing Director of Zenith Bank, Dame (Dr) Adaora Umeoji, has built and donated a world-class building for the use of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Dobi, Abuja.
The commissioning/dedication of the new parish building to the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja took place recently.
Speaking at the commissioning, Dame Umeoji said, “I’m here to hand over the keys of this new edifice for the continuous spread of the word of God.
“We pray that this will be able to do more and encourage others to do more for the diocese and for the men of God.” The Herald learnt that Umeoji was moved to build and donate the new church building after the temporary edifice used for worship at the church was destroyed by a windstorm on May 17, 2018. The temporary church building was destroyed by windstorm
She was said to have been approached to support a new building project for the parish. It was learnt that she looked at the building plan and remarked that the proposed structure was not befitting of God, requesting that a more sophisticated architectural drawing be designed.
Dame Umeoji’s desire to assist the parish to build a new and more befitting church building was an offering to God for the healing of her beloved mother, Chief (Lady) Ngozi Umeoji, it was further learned.
However, her mother’s eventual passing on to glory did not make her renege on her promise to help build a new structure for the people of God to worship. She said that she felt that God wanted her mother to now live through the church.
“I dedicate this church to the blessed memory of my late mother, who encouraged me so much to get this fulfilled,” Dame Umeoji added. Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, His Grace Ignatius Kaigama accepted the donation on behalf of the church.