By Nneka Ejeckam
The Bishop of the Diocese on the Niger, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Owen Nwokolo, on July 18, confirmed communicants and admitted qualified members into various Anglican organisations during the Confirmation, Admission, Valedictory Thanksgiving and Prize-Giving Ceremony held at St. Christopher Junior Seminary, Onitsha.
The event also featured the laying of the foundation stone for the proposed staff quarters.
Delivering the sermon, Nwokolo urged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith despite the temptations and challenges of life, stressing that they should never deny Jesus Christ regardless of the circumstances they face.
He charged newly admitted members of the Mothers’ Union, Anglican Boys’ Fellowship, Girls’ Guild and Men’s Christian Fellowship to uphold the ideals of their respective organisations, study the Word of God diligently and depend on God’s strength in their Christian walk.
Addressing the graduating students, the bishop urged them to be worthy ambassadors of Christ by living exemplary, disciplined and responsible lives wherever they found themselves.
He warned them against laziness and the quest for quick wealth, describing such pursuits as destructive, and encouraged them to embrace hard work, honesty and integrity while preserving the sound moral and spiritual values imparted by the institution.
Nwokolo also prayed for the graduands, asking God to guide, protect and prosper them in their future endeavours, and committed the entire congregation to God’s care.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of awards to outstanding teachers and best performing graduating students by the bishop and his wife, Mrs. Elsie Nwokolo, in recognition of academic excellence, dedication and exemplary service.
Earlier, the Senior Prefect delivered the welcome address, while the Principal, Rev. Canon John Ohaeri, welcomed the bishop and his wife, the Education Secretary, Ven. Chidi Nwadike, the Chairman of the Board, Sir Azubike Umunna, the PTA Chairman, Prof. Victor Enemuo, parents, invited guests and other well wishers.
The ceremony concluded with a thanksgiving service led by the graduating students, who expressed gratitude to God for His faithfulness throughout their years of study.
The event attracted church leaders, parents, staff, students and members of the community, who gathered to celebrate the achievements of the graduands and the continued growth of the institution.
Nneka Ejeckam is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
