THE IMPACT OF THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF IKOT EKPENE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF AKWA IBOM STATE

Abstract

Opinions exist in some quarters and among some scholars that religion has
contributed to the under-development and disunity of the nation and the sub
nationals. Contrary to such opinions, the history of Ikot Ekpene Catholic
Diocese in Akwa Ibom State attests to the truth that Christianity
(Catholicism) has played a very significant role in the development and
upliftment of Akwa Ibom State in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable
Development Goals calling for partnership among all sectors of the society
in the development process. This study, guided by this call for partnership,
outlines the developmental initiatives undertaken by the Catholic Diocese
of Ikot Ekpene, over the years, in the development of Akwa Ibom State such
as education, health care delivery, social services, employment, gender
equality, environmental protection and human capital development. The
stresses of development should not be seen from Gross Domestic Product
only but should be measured from the angle of its impact on the
improvement of humanity. This work recommends that education should be
creative, allowing the mind to develop new ideas that could help the
improvement of the state economy and that girl child education should be
intentionally prioritized