In a heartfelt appeal for peace and protection, Rev. Fr. Benjamin Chukwuma Agbo, a Catholic priest and humanitarian in Ebonyi State, has narrated a decade-long journey marked by trials, sacrifice, and unwavering service to the underprivileged.
Fr. Agbo, who co-founded Divine HAMA Academy in Egwudinagu Ishieke village in Ebonyi local government area of Ebonyi State under the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, shared his emotional story during an interview yesterday, revealing years of hardship while striving to uplift his community through healing, education, and charity.
Ordained in 2011, the priest established the HAMA Ministry (Holy Spirit in Action Ministry, Abakaliki) — a Christian outreach focused on healing and free education.
According to him, what began with compassion for a sick young man identified as Mr Ndubuisi Onwe Idenyi soon spiraled into a complex land dispute and personal challenges.
He recalled that the land originally donated to support his ministry by the family of Onwe Idenyi, a native of Egwudinagu Ishieke village eventually became a point of contention.
“I invested so much to develop a healing centre,” he said, “but what followed were unexpected reversals and confrontations.”
Despite setbacks, including property damage and threats to his personal safety, Fr. Agbo said he remains focused on his mission.
Through his initiative, over 400 children now benefit from full scholarships, with many receiving food, clothing, and shelter.
“I feed and clothe them with joy, and this is God’s work," the priest stated.
He also voiced concern over limited access to basic healthcare for students and volunteers linked to his schools. “We’re not allowed to fetch water or receive treatment from the nearby the Ebonyi State government own general hospital, even in emergencies,” he lamented.
Appealing to the Ebonyi State Government, the priest called for protection for the children under his care and peaceful resolution of disputes that continue to cast a shadow over his godly work.
“I’m not asking for favours. I just want the freedom to serve God and help the poor,” he said.
While efforts to hear from church and community stakeholders were still ongoing as of press time, Fr. Agbo’s story underscored the quiet struggles of those who serve from the grassroots often without recognition, but with enduring hope.
“I believe that in the end, good will speak for itself,” Fr Agbo added with quiet conviction.
