A one-day capacity building seminar on Safeguarding Policy was successfully organized for the Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), Owerri Archdiocese, by Catholic Relief Services (CRS). The training was formally declared open by the JDPC Director, Rev. Fr. Dr. Gerald Njoku, on behalf of His Grace, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri. The facilitator Mr. Anselm Nwoke, a CRS representative and the Programme Manager of the organization, led participants through in-depth sessions on the meaning and importance of safeguarding, key safeguarding policies, and the clear distinction between safeguarding and protection policies. Participants were deeply engaged and expressed appreciation for the detailed and practical insights provided, especially the “nitty-gritty” aspects of safeguarding policy implementation. Participants were drawn from various units under the Church and Society department and demonstrated active and committed participation throughout the seminar. Trained Participants are; Rev. Fr. Dr. Gerald Njoku Rev. Fr. Wilfred Nwachukwu Mr. Kingsley Ohaeri, JP Mrs. Ann Nwaigwe Rev. Sr. Immaculata Eze Mr. Gayius Onuoha Miss Amarachi Igbozuruike Master Nnodim Divine Rev. Fr. Anselm Oduoza Rev. Fr. Bede Nwalozie. At the end of the training, participants were charged with the responsibility of stepping down the training within their respective units, completing safeguarding assessment tools, and developing safeguarding policies tailored to their organizations. The JDPC Programme Manager- Mr. Kingsley Ohaeri, (JP) thanked God for the success of the seminar and expressed profound gratitude to His Grace, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, for his fatherly guidance and approval of such an important capacity-building initiative. He also appreciated the leadership of CRS, headed by Dr. Akim Kinkoda, for their enduring collaboration and impactful partnership over the years. Special commendation was given to the JDPC Director for his resilience and commitment to ensuring that JDPC Owerri operates in line with international best practices and standards. The seminar concluded with sumptuous refreshments, a group photograph, and closing prayers led by Rev. Sr. Immaculata Eze. To God be the glory for a truly impactful and enlightening seminar.
