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The Correspondent of RECOWACERAO NEWS AGENCY, RECONA based in Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria has reported that Reverend Sister Francisca Ngozi Uti, the founder and Executive Director of the Centre for Women Studies and Intervention (CWSI) in Abuja, Nigeria has cried out, “Words seem inadequate” as she was named the laureate of the 2024 Opus Prize, a $1.2 million award recognizing transformative humanitarian work.

In her address during the November 14 award ceremony at Santa Clara University (SCU), the Jesuit University in Silicon Valley, California, U.S.A, the Nigerian member of the Congregation of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus (HHCJ) she said that words would not express her joy.

“Did I ever imagine being nominated as the laureate? Honestly, no. Words seem inadequate to capture the depth of my joy. My heart overflows with gratitude,” Sister Ngozi said.

She added, “I never dreamed that the work my team and I have been doing in these remote communities would gain recognition not only within our state but beyond our nation’s borders crossing the Atlantic and reaching as far as the United States of America.”

Sister Ngozi thanked the Opus Prize jury, saying, “You believed and still believe in the work that my team and I do to alleviate the suffering and trauma of those marginalized, through no fault of their own.”

In choosing CWSI as the 2024 Opus Prize, Laurette, told the jury, “You have placed a significant responsibility on us; to whom much is given, much is expected.”

The HHCJ member further said, “CWSI will not betray your trust. I accept this award on behalf of all the women, girls, and men who have partnered with us to bring about positive change in their lives and communities”

“I remember especially the women and girls who have endured hardship and are now striving to rebuild their lives,” she added.

Reflecting on her apostolate journey over the years, Sister Ngozi credited her father for ensuring she received an education despite societal limitations.  “Thank you, Papa. Your sacrifice was not in vain,” she said.

Sister Ngozi also paid homage to HHCJ foundress, Mother Mary Charles Magdalene Walker, disclosing that her mission to empower women inspired her.

“From her life of courage, resilience, and faith, I learned to entrust myself to God, allowing Him to lead while I follow,” she said.

Sister Ngozi also thanked the CWSI staff, HHCJ leadership, and all those who have contributed to her mission.

“To the past and present staff of CWSI who have made countless sacrifices out of love for God and humanity, I am deeply grateful,” she said.

Sister Ngozi went on to congratulate her fellow Opus Prize finalists, Father Zachariah Presutti, Founder and Executive Director of Thrive for Life Prison Project in New York, and Cătălin and the General manager and senior manager for programs at Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in Romania, Bianca Albu.

“This recognition is not just for me or CWSI. It is for every woman and girl whose resilience and courage inspire our mission. May God bless you abundantly for your generosity and support,” the Nigerian HHCJ member said.

CWSI seeks to help women become politically aware, socially responsible, and economically independent for greater autonomy and parity with men.

The Abuja-based entity also advocates for the inclusion of women in government roles and for legal provisions to combat gender-based violence in five Nigerian States.

The late Bishop Paride Taban was the Opus Prize 2023 Laureate. The bishop emeritus of South Sudan’s Catholic Diocese of Torit was honored posthumously for founding the Holy Trinity Peace Village Kuron, where people from warrying South Sudanese tribes live harmoniously.

“Bishop Taban’s Holy Trinity Peace Village Kuron will receive the one-million-dollar prize that recognizes social entrepreneurship championing faith-filled change,” the Opus Prize Foundation and Villanova University announced in a press release.

Rev. Fr. George Nwachukwu
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