By Uche Enem
Last week Sunday, the Awka Diocesan Catholic Men Organization (ADCMO) had another leadership training which was held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ekwulobia. The leadership training titled, ‘The Man is You (TMIY), was held for three regions which are: Ekwulobia, Achina & Akpu regions.
Before the beginning of the training session, a video was played to the CMO members which highlighted the leadership roles, the traits of a good leader and guiding theological principles to attain good leadership skills. The video also showed how modern culture has influenced good leadership.
The trainer who is also the Chaplain of the Diocesan Catholic Men Organization, Rev. Fr. Jerome Okafor, observed that in the process of becoming successful, leaders do the wrong things. He also observed that some leaders have failed in their responsibilities and that is why they give wrong directives and instructions. He said that transforming the CMO leadership means transforming the family and society. He identified some of the problems leaders face and encouraged members of CMO to be strong and withstand every form of temptation they face.
In reaction, the Diocesan CMO President, Vitus Uzoh, acknowledged the fact that leaders go through many temptations. He identified lack of accountability and misuse of fund as the major problem of Catholic leaders. He added that this has made most leaders to take church properties as their personal property. He said that leaders do not communicate well to their subordinates and this has led to misinformation and conflict.
Also speaking, Augustine Nnabuife, the Diocesan PRO, noted that an individual cannot hold two sensitive positions at the parish, deanery and diocesan levels. He added that occupying two positions make the person not to focus well in his leadership duties.
Also, Bede Ezenwabachile from St. Mary’s Agulezechukwu, encouraged CMO members to be humble, to read their bibles and pray the rosary. According to him, reading the bible is a tool that guides the heart from falling into temptation.
Vincent Nwafor of Holy Cross Parish, Ufuma and Uchenna Nwankwo ( Ekwulobia Deanery Chairman_, both noted that CMO members do not take their job seriously. They added that some leaders are not honest with themselves and do not take responsibility of their faults.
