Hon. Oden Ewa’s N10 Million Donation to Holy Cross Catholic Church Sparks Fresh Conversation on Faith, Leadership and Community Development in Cross River
The recent donation of ₦10 million by Hon. Oden Ewa, Honourable Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, to Holy Cross Catholic Church in Cross River State has ignited wide attention, drawing praise, reflection, and debate across political, social, and religious circles. Akahi News learnt that the gesture, made during a thanksgiving Mass held in honour of the late father of the commissioner, was not only an act of generosity but a deeply personal reaffirmation of faith, memory, and commitment to communal growth.
According to details gathered by Akahi News, this is not Hon. Ewa’s first intervention in the project. He had earlier donated ₦4 million towards the ongoing rebuilding and expansion of the church, bringing his total contribution to ₦14 million. For parishioners, community leaders, and observers beyond the state, the donation represents more than money — it symbolises continuity, gratitude, and leadership anchored in value.
A Gesture Rooted in Personal Faith and History
Hon. Oden Ewa’s relationship with the Church is not incidental. Akahi News gathered that the commissioner is a former seminarian, a background that shaped both his spiritual outlook and moral compass. During his address at the thanksgiving Mass, he reportedly expressed profound appreciation for the moral and intellectual formation he received in his early years, stating that the Church played a critical role in forming the values that guide his personal and public life today.
His late father, described as a devout Christian, was also a central influence in his spiritual journey. In honouring his father’s memory, Hon. Ewa chose to support a living institution that continues to nurture faith, discipline, and communal unity. Akahi News learnt that for him, the donation was not a political display but an expression of duty, gratitude, and continuity — a bridge between generations.
This act, covered by various newsmen at the event, reflects a deeper narrative that is increasingly rare in modern politics: leadership inspired by faith, heritage, and personal reflection.
The Church as an Agent of Social Stability and Moral Direction
Beyond religious devotion, Hon. Ewa’s words highlighted a powerful point that resonates strongly with Akahi News’ analytical observations — the Church, as an institution, remains one of the strongest pillars of socialisation, moral direction, and peace-building in society.
In many Nigerian communities, churches are more than places of worship. They serve as centres for education, counselling, reconciliation, youth formation, and charity. Akahi News gathered that Holy Cross Catholic Church has, for decades, functioned not just as a place of prayer but as a moral anchor for families across the region.
The parish priest, Rev. Fr. Monk James Ukatu, revealed that the church, which is approaching its eightieth year of existence, has long dreamed of having a befitting place of worship — one that reflects dignity, beauty, and reverence. However, the financial burden of such a project has been overwhelming for the parishioners alone.
When Hon. Ewa’s contribution was announced, Fr. Ukatu reportedly expressed surprise and deep emotion. According to Akahi News, the priest described the donation as a rare gesture of sincerity in a political climate filled with “audio money” — promises without fulfilment. His words echoed the sentiments of many worshippers who saw the moment as a breath of integrity.
From Politics to Purpose: A Different Model of Leadership
Observers who spoke with newsmen at the event noted that Hon. Oden Ewa’s action provides an alternative model of leadership, one rooted not in flamboyance but in purposeful giving. Instead of directing funds toward grand political rallies or profit-driven ventures, he chose to invest in a spiritual and moral institution that benefits the wider society.
Akahi News gathered that his approach to public service has consistently reflected a broad vision — reaching beyond politics into education, health, youth empowerment, and faith-based partnerships. Dr. Usani Joseph, Director of Administration at the Oden Ewa Foundation, emphasised that the commissioner’s developmental vision is holistic. According to him, religion plays an indispensable role in shaping ethical citizens, and supporting the Church is, in essence, supporting the community.
Dr. Joseph reportedly reminded the church leadership that transparency and accountability must accompany this generosity, ensuring that the resources are properly managed for the intended purpose. This call for integrity reinforces the importance of responsible stewardship — a value that resonates strongly with the editorial position of Akahi News.
Faith, Politics and the Public Reaction
The intersection of religion and politics is often a sensitive issue. However, in this particular instance, public reaction appears largely positive.
Across Cross River State and beyond, conversations sparked by the donation have centred on hope, inspiration, and challenge. Some see it as a reminder that political office holders can still be driven by conscience, not just ambition. Others believe it sets a standard for future leaders — not just in Cross River, but across Nigeria — to reconnect with community roots and spiritual foundations.
Akahi News gathered that on social media and within church communities, many Christians have praised the donation as an act of faith in action. They see it as evidence that religion can still guide leadership and strengthen national values in a time of widespread moral erosion.
Yet, some analysts caution that good works must be consistent, not occasional. In their view, sustained investment in education, healthcare, and community development should accompany such symbolic gestures. Akahi News agrees that the true measure of impact will be seen in the long-term transformation of the parish, the youth it inspires, and the collective mindset it reshapes.
Beyond Money: The Deeper Meaning of the Donation
At its core, this story is not simply about ₦10 million. It is about meaning, memory, and moral responsibility.
It is about a son honouring his father.
It is about a leader remembering his roots.
It is about a church receiving renewed hope.
It is about a community witnessing an example of gratitude in action.
Through this single act, Hon. Oden Ewa has reopened an important conversation on the relevance of faith in governance, the role of religion in societal healing, and the enduring power of gratitude.
Akahi News learnt that many parishioners now see their church not just as a building project, but as a renewed symbol of resilience, unity, and divine provision. The ongoing project stands as a monument — not only to stone and cement — but to shared belief and renewed purpose.
A Reflection for the Future
As Nigeria continues to face economic challenges, moral questions, and leadership tests, stories like this remind us that positive examples still exist. They also challenge others in positions of influence to consider what legacy they intend to leave behind.
Is leadership merely about control, or is it also about contribution?
Is power for self-glory, or for the upliftment of others?
Through this lens, Hon. Oden Ewa’s donation becomes more than philanthropy — it becomes a statement.
Akahi News gathered that the story is still unfolding, not just in Cross River State, but in the hearts and minds of those who see in it a call to service, faith, and impact. Whether one observes it as a religious act, a political symbol, or a community intervention, its significance cannot be ignored.
In a world increasingly defined by self-interest, Hon. Oden Ewa’s donation to Holy Cross Catholic Church stands as a counter-narrative — a reminder that public office can still be guided by personal conviction, gratitude, and reverence for God.
As the church structure rises, stone by stone, and prayer by prayer, so too does a message echo through Cross River and beyond: leadership anchored in faith leaves a legacy that outlives power.
For more insightful and in-depth reports on leadership, community, and faith in society, continue to follow Akahi News — your trusted source for impactful and human-centred journalism.
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