It was simply like a family meeting where the family members gather at the foot of the grandfather and father to receive instructions, admonitions, encouragement, blessings etc. No doubt such scenario gives boost, vigour and uncommon courage. Such was the privilege of the nine lucky candidates awarded scholarship by the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, under the auspices of the Bishop, Most Rev. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah, at Veritas University Abuja (The Catholic University of Nigeria), who were blessed with the visit of both the incumbent and emeritus Bishops of the diocese.
This happened recently during the 4th and 5th convocation ceremony of the said Catholic University. The nine candidates include: Rev. Fr. Paschal Eze- Economics, Rev. Fr. Augustine Ugwumgbo- English and Literary Studies, Boniface Onoyima- computer science, Chifurumnanya P. Okoro- Biological sciences and biological education, Ifeoma Ugwoke- English and literary studies, Jude Mary C. Ngwoke- Microbiology, Martha Ada Agada- computer Science, Maureen Makata- Biochemistry/Microbiology, Petrus Ejike Eze-Mass communication.
In a brief chat with the lucky candidates, the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Godfrey I. Onah, reminded them that Nsukka people may not have money but they are brainy. In his words "I expect that during your own convocation ceremony you will be among those to receive gifts".
In an aside with the two-priest candidates, Fr. Bishop, reminded his priests that the whole idea of further studies of the priests is to further arm the priests with arsenals that will enhance their ministry. According to him the very moment the studies no longer help the priest to perfect his ministry of spreading the Gospel, the studies is of no meaning and the priest is finished. Citing example with his encounter with his former students in Rome, he said: "I used to tell my students back then in Rome, that if the reason why I became a priest is to teach or tell you about Aristotle and Aquinas, then it is of no use, because I can as well do that without becoming a priest."
The Emeritus Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Francis Okobo, on his part exchanged pleasantries with the students who were beaming with smiles and filled with awe at such unimaginable privilege. His grandfatherly presence and encounter with the students was assuring, and inspiring. Also in the company of the two Bishops was the personal secretary to the Emeritus Bishop, Rev. Fr. Chinedum Asogwa.
