Opinion
By Valentine Obienyem
DUE to the security situation in the country, travelling has become one of the most disturbing challenges. However, there are some places one must figure out how to attend. We faced such a dilemma today as the Saturday Editor of Vanguard Newspaper, Onochie Anibeze, was burying his mother at Aguobu-Owa in Eziagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
His Excellency had earlier spoken to the Editor, informing him of his overseas trip while assuring him that he would be represented. However, beyond this, the greatest concern was security.
As we planned for the trip, His Excellency, whose wealth of humour is known only to those close to him, humorously remarked that if security became a serious issue, I should look for a disused car to take me. He suggested I wear shorts and turn my shirt inside out so that, if stopped by kidnappers, I could claim to be a petty trader transporting goods to the bereaved. He further advised that I should change into proper clothing upon arrival at the venue.
In spite of all concerns, I arrived at Aguobu-Owa before the Mass began. However, another challenge arose: how to also attend the feast day of my alma mater, St. John Bosco Seminary, Isuaniocha. It was an event I had to be present at, as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of our Old Boys’ Association, with important roles to play. The President and I had discussed it, and as we visited the school on the eve of the feast to assess preparations, the thought of attending both events troubled me. What struck me with nostalgia during the visit was the Rector’s remark that the main generator used in the seminary was donated by Mr. Peter Obi. The same applied to their buses.
Eventually, I left Aguobu-Owa immediately after Mass to make it to Isuaniocha. Having inquired about the security situation in Enugu – which had considerably improved – we decided to take the Umumba-Ndiagu / Agba-Umana road, exiting at Ebenebe, and thenceforth to Isuaniocha.
As we drove, I regretted to note that South-East Governors need to cooperate more and work as a team. I pointed out, for instance, that the Ebenebe-Agba-Umana-Umumba/Ndiagu road should, by common agreement, be undertaken jointly by both state governments each to cover his own state. This would significantly reduce travel time from Ebenebe to that part of Enugu to just a few minutes. As it stands, the journey from Aguobu-Owa to Awka via that route took us about 40 minutes. Were the road in good condition, it would take less than 20 minutes.
Upon arrival at Isuaniocha, the Mass was already over. However, I joined our Old Boys in the staff room for refreshments. Ostende whispered to me that the only thing I had missed was the choir performance. As a former choirmaster, his commendation of another choir’s performance suggested that it must have been a truly heavenly rendition, worthy of St. Cecilia.
The seminary is a place where Old Boys feel at home. Reflecting on our Spartan training, which instilled discipline in us, one cannot help but appreciate the seminary’s enduring influence.
As we settled down for the feast, many thoughts crossed my mind. In the midst of the present hardship in the country and the Church’s determination to train priests while collecting only basic fees from seminarians, one wonders how they are fed. This is why the proprietor of the school, Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor, needs continuous support. It is also why we, the Old Boys, are determined to assist.
Speaking on behalf of the Old Boys before our presentation of a ₦5, 000,000 donation – which we also plan to extend to our sister seminary, St. Dominic Savio Seminary, Akpu, during their feast next month – I commended the proprietor, Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor, for his paternal guidance of the seminary.
I also commended our President, Comrade Celestine Ostende Oguegbu, for his outstanding leadership. His dedication to the Old Boys’ Association is so passionate that one would think his very existence depended on it. He has continued to encourage and mobilise many Old Boys in various ways.
Furthermore, I commended the Rector, Fr. Daniel Eduzor, and other formators. Each visit to the seminary brings fresh delight, as development is always evident. I took the liberty of recognising Dr. Dominic Nwankwo as the highest benefactor among the Old Boys. He single-handedly donated a jeep to one of our revered formators, Msgr. Sylvester Mgbemful, when he celebrated his 50th priestly anniversary. Additionally, he has renovated buildings and provided vehicles to both seminaries. With some humour, I remarked that if anyone desires to be recognised like him, they should do as he has done.
In his opening speech, the Rector quoted from the Book of Lamentations. As far as I am concerned, even without knowing the exact passage, the mere mention of Lamentations suggests that they are indeed lamenting their many needs and seeking help.
The Old Boys are delighted that, despite the seminary’s zero tolerance for examination malpractice, it remains one of the best academic institutions in the country. The Rector proudly announced that the seminary participated in the inaugural Nigerian Mathematics and Science Olympiad Examination, securing 1st, 6th, and 18th positions among 400 participants. In summarising Catholic education, the Rector encapsulated its essence “Our pedagogical approach is based on the Catholic faith, which integrates and balances human, psychological, spiritual, and intellectual formation, embracing a holistic education.”
As the Old Boys continue to rally behind their alma mater, their contributions serve as a reminder that true success is measured not just by personal achievements but by the legacy of support and mentorship left behind. The seminary remains a beacon of academic and moral excellence, and with continued dedication from its alumni and benefactors, its mission of holistic Catholic education will endure for generations to come.
A.I
Feb. 8, 2025
Tags: Valentine Obienyem
