Sr Philomena McGuinness, a Sister of St Louis, paid us a farewell visit on her way home to retirement in Ireland. She always made a point of breaking her journey to come to thank the Guild and you, our supporters, for helping the leprosy settlement at Akure, Nigeria.

She first contacted the Guild in 1994. Her main priorities were to improve the houses of the patients, encourage them to produce food and seek employment if possible.

By now the number of cured patients able to work has risen from 6 in 1994 to 16 in 2008. The fact that five work outside the village indicates that stigma is becoming less of a problem.

In 1996 three girls started college and several others have followed. One is now a doctor and two are teachers.

The farm produces maize, yams, cocoyams and cassava. Sufficient garri (a staple food made of cassava) is produced for the village and for sale outside. A palm oil production plant ensures excellent quality, nutritious oil.

Sister Agnes Ewedeyi will now take her place. We welcome her and wish Sister Philomena a happy retirement.

Sr Philomena and colleagues
by the palm oil machine


New palm oil plants