Nigerian Catholic Sister Wins $1.2m Opus Prize

A reverend Nigerian sister has been awarded the 2024 Opus Prize.

Sister Francisca Ngozi Uti, founder and executive director of the Centre for Women Studies and Intervention (CWSI) in Abuja, Nigeria, received the renowned $1.2 million award, which acknowledges outstanding humanitarian work around the world.

Sister Ngozi, a member of the Congregation of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus (HHCJ), expressed her deep thanks during the award ceremony on November 14 at Santa Clara University in California’s Silicon Valley.

“Did I ever imagine being nominated as the laureate? Honestly, no,” she said. “Words seem inadequate to capture the depth of my joy. My heart overflows with gratitude. I never dreamed the work my team and I have been doing in remote communities would gain recognition, not just locally but across the Atlantic in the United States.”

Ngozi praised the Opus Prize judges for believing in her goal to alleviate suffering in neglected communities.

Sister Ngozi reflected on her journey and commended her father with ensuring she earned an education despite societal hurdles.

Thank you, Papa. “Your sacrifice was not in vain,” she remarked, adding that her congregation’s founder, Mother Mary Charles Magdalene Walker, had inspired her life of courage and faith.

Sister Ngozi leads CWSI, which empowers women to become politically conscious, socially responsible, and economically independent. The organization also campaigns for women’s inclusion in government positions, as well as the enforcement of gender-based violence laws in five Nigerian states.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli