By Juliana Nwachukwu
The Archbishop of Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, on 22nd July, commissioned a multi-million-naira ultra-modern students’ canteen at the permanent site of Shanahan University, Trans Nkisi, Onitsha, Anambra State.
During the commissioning, Archbishop Okeke expressed deep gratitude to the Ebubeogu family, who graciously funded the construction of the canteen. He prayed fervently for God’s abundant blessings upon the family and asked God to replenish them manifold.
The Archbishop emphasized that the vision behind establishing Shanahan University in Onitsha is to create an academic environment that offers quality education to children. He recalled how, after the Nigerian civil war, the Eastern region, particularly Ndigbo, faced marginalization.
“The only way to survive is through education. When our children study good courses, they can secure employment locally or abroad. What we are doing is empowering the future generation so that our children can compete favourably with their counterparts anywhere in the world,” Archbishop Okeke said.
The prelate further revealed that Shanahan University would soon introduce business courses for adult education to help men and women enhance their skills and improve their business pursuits.
Speaking at the event, Don Ebubeogu, one of the directors of Tiger Foods Limited, noted that Archbishop Okeke is deeply passionate about providing quality education for youths in Onitsha Archdiocese and Anambra State in general.
He commended the Archbishop for his remarkable strides in empowering youths through holistic education and skills acquisition, stressing that Archbishop Okeke’s initiatives have greatly inspired him.
“Whatever one donates to the Church lasts forever, far more than investing in other ventures. Donating the canteen to Shanahan University is my little way of giving back to the society and supporting Archbishop Okeke,” Ebubeogu stated.
Also speaking, Mr. Celestine Ebubeogu commended Archbishop Okeke for the ongoing development at Shanahan University, expressing surprise at the impressive level of work done so far. He announced an additional donation on behalf of the Ebubeogu family, in addition to the already completed canteen.
He emphasized that, when completed, Shanahan University would bring pride not only to Onitsha but also to Anambra State and Nigeria at large, urging everyone to contribute towards the completion of the institution.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the Shanahan University Education Foundation, Sir Enebeli Osanamkpo, and former House of Assembly member for Onitsha North 2 Constituency, Hon. Edward Ibuzo, praised the Ebubeogu family for their lasting legacy. They noted that the family’s donation would inspire others to support the university project.
Dignitaries present at the event included Chief Kelvin Chimobi, CEO of APAMS Funeral Homes; Vice Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Basil Ekwunife; the Onitsha Archdiocesan Financial Administrator, Rev. Fr. Philip Ibeneme; Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Megwalu; as well as other priests and religious.
The highlight of the event was the screening of documentaries showcasing the achievements of various secondary schools under the Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese.
- Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
