The Salesian mission in Amamong, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has received a significant boost following the decision of the Amamong Group of Villages Council and an illustrious son of the community, Dr Effiong Okon Akwa, to bequeath a civic centre to the Salesians of Don Bosco Africa Nigeria-Niger Province for youth education and empowerment.
The gesture comes shortly after the Salesians began a new mission presence at St. Carlo Acutis, Uyo (read full story here), marking another step in the Province’s commitment to accompanying young people through youth ministry, evangelisation, education and holistic development.
The civic centre, built for youth education and empowerment, has been bequeathed to the Salesians in perpetuity. The facility provides a physical space through which the Salesian mission can further engage with young people and support initiatives aimed at their formation, education and development.
For the Salesians, the gesture represents more than the provision of a physical facility. It also reflects the trust and partnership of the Amamong community as the Congregation begins its mission among young people in the area. By making the centre available for this purpose, the community has provided a valuable foundation for initiatives that can respond to the educational and developmental needs of its young people.
The new Salesian presence in Amamong began with a warm welcome from the Diocese of Uyo, represented by the Judicial Vicar, Very Rev. Fr. Dr Anthony Ekong, alongside the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Pius Nkuda, community elders and the faithful of St. Paul’s Parish, Amamong. The welcome reflected the spirit of collaboration between the Diocese, the Salesians and the local community.
The donation of the civic centre further strengthens this partnership and creates an opportunity for the Salesians to deepen their presence and service among young people in Amamong.
The Province expressed its appreciation to Dr Effiong Okon Akwa and the Amamong Group of Villages Council for their generosity and support. The gesture was received as an encouraging sign of the community’s appreciation for the Salesian commitment to serving young people, particularly those who are vulnerable and in need of opportunities to learn, grow and develop their potential.
As the Salesians continue to establish their presence at St. Carlo Acutis, the civic centre stands as a tangible expression of the community’s support for the mission and its commitment to the future of its young people.
The Salesians of Don Bosco Africa Nigeria-Niger Province remain grateful to the Amamong community and entrust the donors and the new mission to God through the intercession of Mary Help of Christians and Saint John Bosco, praying that the centre will become a meaningful space for youth education, empowerment and holistic development in the years ahead.