At a time of globalisation, when foreign products inundate African markets and political actors seem to show a high preference for foreign-made products, the recent donation of Innoson vehicles to support the Church’s evangelising mission once again underscores the need to patronise local manufacturing.
“Recently, Innoson Vehicles generously donated a vehicle each to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and the Apostolic Nunciature in Nigeria, in support of their pastoral mission,” Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Michael Ayanleke Banjo, Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), wrote on his social media handle.
Established in Nnewi, Anambra State, in 1995 by Chief Innocent Chukwuma Nwala as a fully automated motorcycle assembly plant, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Co. Ltd. is “the first fully indigenous motorcycle maker in Nigeria,” tagged “pride of African roads.”
Innoson CEO, Chief Innocent Chukwuma Nwala. Credit: Gazettengr.com
Meanwhile, Banjo noted that “In the life of the Church, generosity is often expressed through practical support that enables the Gospel to reach people more.”
On the model of the cars and the need to patronise home-made vehicles, the priest of the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode stated that “The vehicles, Ikenga models proudly designed and manufactured in Nigeria, reflect indigenous innovation and will further contribute to the Church’s work in Nigeria, including the mission of the Holy See in this country.”
The two cars. Credit: Fr. Michael Banjo
The 54-year-old cleric, who used the occasion to express appreciation to Sir Innocent Chukwuma, Founder and CEO of Innoson Motors, for what he described as a “thoughtful gesture,“ signed his message with hashtags: #Catholicchurch #Catholicmission #Faithandworks #Charity #Generosity.
The former Judicial Vicar of the Ijebu-Ode Diocese also appreciated the Bishop of the Nnewi Diocese, Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye, for “facilitating this mobility support.”
The seasoned canonist who serves as the administrative and coordinating chief executive officer of the CBCN invoked blessings on the donor, stressing, “May the Lord, who rewards all good deeds, abundantly bless the Management of Innoson Motors for their generosity and strengthen the Church in her service to the faithful.”
One of the Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs). Credit: Fr. Michael Banjo
Fr. Dr. Banjo took over from Fr. Zacharia Samjumi, Secretary of the CSN, following his appointment by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).
Before his appointment, he was the Deputy Secretary General and the Director of the Pastoral Affairs Department of the CSN.
The one-time director of the Family and Human Life Department and Chaplain of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, in his home diocese of Ijebu-Ode, holds a Doctorate in Canon Law (J.C.D.), Licentiate in Canon Law (J.C.L.), Master’s in Government and Politics, specialising in International Relations, as well as a Diploma in International Law and Diplomacy.
