By Amaka Olua
The Catholic Diocese of Awka-owned St Mark’s Nursery and Primary School, Abagana, Njikoka L.G.A., Anambra State, has celebrated the 25 Years Anniversary of her existence. The silver jubilee was held on 20 October, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church Podium.
Fides gathered that the school was established through directive of the then Bishop of Awka Diocese, the late Most Rev Simon Okafor, in 1994, in a bid to ensure quality education and good moral upbringing of children within Abanaga Community and its environs.
Leading in the concelebrated Holy Mass, the former Parish Priest/ Manager, Rev Fr Pat Amobi Chukwuma, thanked God for the growth of the school, saying that at 25, the school had attained a great height and had become a citadel of learning for moral and quality education.
In his homily, the Parish Priest/Manager, Rev Fr. Paul Chimezie, drawing from the reading, stressed the importance faith and steadfastness in prayers, regretting that many people had abandoned their faith in search of miracles where they would receive fast solutions to their problems.
He therefore charged them to live a life that pleased God, wondering if God comes on the last day, whether he would still find the righteous ones. Fr Chimezie frowned at those who did not belong to any pious society in the Church, noting that it was the responsibility of the parents to nurture and draw their children closer to God.
He maintained that the priests and religious had their own duties to perform, noting that they had been mandated to preach the word of God, and also pray for them to prosper in whatever they did.
Charging the faithful to always support and encourage each other. Fr Chimezie commended all who through their efforts, support, contributions and encouragement saw the growth and betterment of the school.
He thanked in a special way the founders, Rev Fr. Anthony Anokete and Lady Rose Aniekie, among others, who through their efforts the school was established.
In his opening remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Hon Prince Victor Ezenwa, commended the co-founders for their efforts. He stated that the school at 25 years had attained greater heights, even as he commended the late Bishop Simon Okafor, who through his directive, the school was established.
Hon Ezenwa advised the pupils to take their studies seriously, describing education as the most essential tool for a better future. He added that good behavior, hard work and humility to their families and society would pave way for them.
For her part, the mother of the day, Lady Uju Onwubuya, advised the pupils to be of good conduct, telling them to pay attention to their teacher and ask questions whenever they did not understand their teachers. This was even as she charged them to live a life worthy of emulation. Lady Onwubuya advised parents to watch the activities of the children.
Also speaking, the co-founder, Lady Rose Aniekie, expressed her joy over the height which the school had attained. She maintained that their motive for establishing the school was not for money, but for the love they had for children and quality education. She advised the teachers to devote their time in carrying out their responsibilities.
