BISHOP DUGU EMPOWERS 160 WIVES OF CATECHISTS IN KATSINA-ALA DIOCESE ON SMALL-SCALE BUSINESS WITH N16M ON 30TH MAY, 2025

In a significant initiative to enhance the economic and social well-being of catechists’ families, Most Rev. Isaac Bundepuun DUGU, the Bishop of Katsina-Ala Diocese, has empowered 160 wives of catechists and female catechists with ₦100,000 each to start small-scale businesses. The total investment of ₦16,000,000 uncovers the bishop’s vision to promoting integral family values.

The Church emphasizes the importance of caring for families and promoting family values. In Familiaris Consortio, Pope John Paul II writes, ‘’The Christian family is called upon to offer to the whole world a witness and a prophetic announcement of the values of freedom, responsibility, and love’’ (FC, 51).
In view of this, the empowerment ceremony, held at St. Anthony’s Parish Zaki-Biam, began with the celebration of Holy Mass, presided over by Bishop Dugu. In his homily, Fr. Paul Atibee encouraged the wives to trust in God’s providence, especially in the face of insecurity in the land.

This empowerment initiative reflects Bishop Dugu’s commitment to the people of God in his diocese to upholding their values and supporting the families of catechists, in line with the Church’s teachings on the importance of family and community.
To ensure the success of the empowerment initiative, Fr. Daniel TONGOV provided practical guidance on entrepreneurship, covering essential topics such as:
Identifying Business Opportunities: Understanding market needs, identifying gaps, and recognizing potential business ideas.

Developing Business Plans: Creating a clear business plan, setting goals, and outlining strategies for achieving success.
Managing Finances: Effective budgeting, tracking expenses, and managing cash flow to ensure sustainability.
Marketing Strategies: Understanding target markets, developing marketing plans, and utilizing effective communication channels to reach customers.

This comprehensive approach aims to equip the beneficiaries with the necessary skills to sustain their businesses and improve their economic stability.

Bishop Dugu urged the beneficiaries to utilize the funds wisely, emphasizing that the empowerment is a gesture of solidarity and support for the evangelization efforts of their husbands and their roles in the Church.

The wives of catechists expressed heartfelt gratitude for Bishop Dugu’s vision and initiative, describing it as a first-of-its-kind in the diocese. They appreciated the bishop’s commitment to supporting their families and acknowledged the significance of this empowerment in enhancing their roles in the Church.
The Bishop’s empowerment initiative is a testimony to his commitment to promoting integral family values. By supporting the wives of catechists, the bishop is promoting the well-being of families and enhancing their ability to contribute to the Church’s mission.