BOJI-BOJI OWA/Nigeria: Former Delta State Governor and serving Senator, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has praised the Diocese of Ika, Anglican Communion, for establishing the Ika Vision 2032 Endowment Fund, describing the initiative as an important step towards strengthening the Church and promoting the long-term development of Ika Nation.
Okowa spoke after attending the formal launch of the endowment fund on Saturday, September 12, 2026. In a statement issued on Sunday, he said the success of the seven-year initiative would depend not only on financial commitment but also on the collective responsibility of institutions and individuals to shape the future of young people.
“The Church, traditional institutions, parents, and the wider community all have a responsibility to shape their minds, strengthen their values, and channel their energy and potential towards positive and productive purposes,” he said.
The former governor commended the Bishop of Ika Diocese, Rt. Rev. Godfrey Ifeanyichukwu Ekpenisi, as well as other stakeholders involved in the initiative, for developing a vision aimed at building stronger institutions and creating better prospects for present and future generations.
He expressed optimism that sustained cooperation and commitment would help position Ika Nation as a community that future generations would be proud to inherit.
The endowment fund is part of the broader Ika Vision 2032 initiative, which was presented during the 26th Ogwa Ika in August under the theme, “A Church Revived; A People Transformed.”
The strategic plan, which runs from January 2026 to December 2032, seeks to promote a spiritually vibrant and mission-driven Church while advancing the moral, educational and economic development of Ika Nation.
The Diocese had earlier announced plans to raise approximately ₦3 billion over seven years to support the implementation of the vision. The formal launch was held at Vienna Arena, Boji-Boji Owa.
The initiative is expected to provide a more sustainable financial and governance framework for the Diocese’s development activities, including its work in education, healthcare, youth empowerment, social intervention and infrastructure.
Okowa, an indigene of Owa-Alero in Ika North-East Local Government Area, has consistently advocated a people-centred approach to development, stressing the importance of human capacity, character formation and productive engagement alongside physical infrastructure.
His participation in the launch reflected the emphasis on collaboration among religious institutions, traditional authorities, families and the wider community in shaping the future of Ika Nation.
