Fides Media Living the Faith
By Ogochukwu Nwaokafor and CP Uzoaganobi
Ide Akwaeze, Chief Sir, Ikenna Okafor, has donated Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Laboratories and Information and Communication Technology, (ICT) Complex and a cheque of four million Naira to St. Dominic Savio Seminary, SDSS, Akpu.
The complex was blessed and commissioned by His Eminence, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, the Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, on the 5th of May 2023 at SDSS premises Akpu.
During the opening speech, His Eminence welcomed everyone and called upon Ide Akwaeze to inspect the complex which he financed.
Fides gathered that Ide Akwaeze, the CEO of Nzekwuabuo Foundation, Chief Okafor, actually donated the sum of thirty six million, seven hundred and fifty three thousand, seven hundred Naira for the project, including assistance from the diocesesan seminary, making it thirty nine million Naira plus.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Ide Akwaeze handed over the complex key on behalf of the Idi Ezeani Nzekwuabuo Foundation to His Eminence Okpaleke, which he later handed over to the Seminary Rector, Fr. Anthony Akabogu.
During the address of welcome on behalf of the seminary family, Rev. Fr. Akabogu, who expressed his gratitude to God, His Eminence, Okpaleke, and to those present, noted that Chief Okafor’s interest in human formation and wellbeing of the people was exceptional.
He therefore appreciated His Eminence for accepting to receive, bless and commission the complex, even as he further thanked him for his support towards the seminary; while he acknowledged the presence of His Excellency, Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye, Catholic Bishop of Nnewi; his close collaborators, Priests and the Diocesan Project Director; PTDA executive members, teachers, seminarians, guests and the press.
Father Akabogu specially welcomed the guest of Honour, Chief Sir. Okafor, and his wife and board members of Idi Ezeani Nzekwuabuo Foundation. He commended Chief Okafor for what he described as his good work.
Praising Chief Sir. Okafor for his interventions, Fr. Akabogu said Chief Sir. Okafor had not only donated a complex to the seminary, but also equipped the complex with all the needed materials and chemicals; which, he said, helped in securing accreditation with ease through the Anambra State Ministry of Education. He said that hence, the WAEC and NECO Examinations would be held in the seminary ground.
He prayed that God would continue to bless him and his family and promised that the complex would be put to good use.
Chief Okafor in his remarks acknowledged the presence of everyone in the ceremony and thanked the Cardinal for granting him access to work with some Rev fathers who, he said, helped in the success of the project.
Recalling the efforts of His Eminence, Okpaleke, even when he was in America before he became the Bishop, he described him as an example of a man, more of Christ. He therefore said he was happy with what he saw and further promised that he would do more.
He noted that Education was the best gift one could have and said that the least he could do was to support the seminary with some books donated by Fr Azubuike Igwegbe during the launch of his foundation and also gave the rest of the books to Peter University.
Highlights of the occasion were the donation of some brand new Lenovo computer sets for the ICT Library for the ease of teaching the seminarians; and a cheque of four million Naira to support the running of the complex.
Chief Okafor urged the seminarians to work hard in their academic work and live an exemplary Christian life, while anchoring good morals and values that people could emulate.
The secretary of the foundation, who saw to the building of the project, Rev. Fr. Alphonsus Ezeoke, during his vote of thanks, thanked God for the project.
He further thanked Chief Okafor for using his money to serve God, just as he thanked the family for standing in for the Church and also for providing for the seminarians.
He further thanked the rector, seminarians and Most Rev Jonas Benson Okoye, the Bishop of Nnewi.
