“Words seem inadequate”: Nigerian Catholic Nun on Winning $1.2 Million Opus Prize

In choosing CWSI as the 2024 Opus Prize, Laurette, she 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, Sr. Ngozi credited her father for ensuring she received an education despite societal limitations.  

“Thank you, Papa. Your sacrifice was not in vain,” she said.

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Sr. 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.

Sr. Ngozi also thanked the staff of CWSI, 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.

Sr. Ngozi went on to congratulate her fellow Opus Prize finalists, Fr. 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 honoured posthumously for founding the Holy Trinity Peace Village Kuron, where people from warrying South Sudanese tribes live in harmony.

“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.

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Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.