Sister Francisca Ngozi Uti, the founder and executive director of the Centre for Women Studies and Intervention (CWSI) in Abuja, Nigeria, has been named the laureate of the 2024 Opus Prize. The cash award costs 1.2 million dollars. This award recognises transformative humanitarian work.
She received the award on 14 November at Santa Clara University, a Jesuit university in Silicon Valley. The Nigerian member of the Congregation of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus (HHCJ) said that words could not express her joy.
“Did I ever imagine being nominated as the laureate? Honestly, no. Words seem inadequate to capture the depth of my joy. My heart overflows with gratitude,” Ngozi said.
“I never dreamed that the work my team and I have been doing in these remote communities would gain recognition not only within our state but beyond our nation’s borders crossing the Atlantic and reaching as far as the United States of America.”
Ngozi thanked the Opus Prize jury: “You believed and still believe in the work that my team and I do to alleviate the suffering and trauma of those marginalized through no fault of their own.”
By choosing CWSI as the 2024 Opus Prize winner, “you have placed a significant responsibility on us; to whom much is given, much is expected,” Ngozi said. “CWSI will not betray your trust. I accept this award for all the women, girls, and men who have partnered with us to bring about positive change in their lives and communities.”
“I remember especially the women and girls who have endured hardship and are now striving to rebuild their lives,” she added.
Ngozi also thanked the CWSI staff, HHCJ leadership, and all those who have contributed to her mission.