By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
It was an evening of tributes and accolades when members of the All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha Old Boys’ Association (AHOBA) on Wednesday organized a reception for one of their own, Barr Chinedu Francis Akubueze who was recently appointed Clerk of the House of Representatives.
Akubueze is the Abuja Branch Chairman of the Association.
The event which took place at Grand Pela Hotel, Abuja attracted Old Boys of the Seminary (some of whom are now Catholic bishops and priests), politicians, religious leaders and other former seminarians from different seminaries across the country.
In his opening remarks, National President of the association, Prof Fidelis Okafor, who also chaired the event expressed gratitude to everybody present especially the Auxiliary Catholic Bishops of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Dr Jonas Benson Okoye and Onitsha Archdiocese, Most Rev Dr Denis Isizoh for travelling all the way from Anambra state.
He noted that life in the seminary prepares one for the challenges of life, hence the ability of Akubueze to scale through all the hassles of life to attain such an admirable position in civil service.
He enjoined all old seminarians to stick to the values that were instilled in them during their formative years.
Delivering a paper titled: “The Religious Demands of the Civil Service”, Bishop Benson Okoye (a Classmate of Chinedu), noted that “One cannot serve God without serving humanity”.
He said, “You must recognize the presence of God in every human being and service must be directed towards serving humanity hence you must treat people with humanity and dignity.
“You must bear in mind that God became man just for humanity therefore you must reflect the Christ in you as you discharge your duties”.
Another paper titled: “Economy and Health” was delivered by Rev Fr (Prof) Hyacinth Ichoku, Vice Chancellor, Veritas University of Nigeria, Abuja; also an Old Boy of All Hallows Seminary.
Prof Ichoku pointed out that one of the disasters happening in the Nigerian society is the fact that many of our citizens are starving, and malnourished.
He said, “Nigeria is the 3rd country with largest population of malnourished people in the world. Huge numbers of our people go to sleep without food, without water”.
According to him, there is a big relationship between malnourishment, starvation and Economic development with an accompanied huge level of inequality in the society.
“Don’t be deceived by the flamboyant lifestyle displayed by the few well-to-do Nigerians especially politicians because it does not represent the actual situation on ground.
“We must all work together to bridge the inequality gap in our society and improve our life expectancy to match that of most economic developed nations he concluded.
Highpoint of the event was the decoration of Akubueze as a great achiever and great ambassador of All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha by the National President of the Association, Prof Fidelis Okafor.
Other dignitaries at the event include former inspector General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro (Old Boy of St Peter Claver Seminary Okpala); President of Industrial Court of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Benedict Kanyip (Old Boy of St John Vianney Seminary, Barkin Ladi); Hon Obinna Chidoka (Member House of Representatives); Barr Emeka Ngige, SAN and Rev Fr Charles Onwumelu, the present Rector of All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha.
