ADDRESS OF THE CHANCELLOR AND CATHOLIC ARCHBISHOP OF ABUJA, MOST REV. DR. IGNATIUS AYAU KAIGAMA, AT THE 11TH CONVOCATION CEREMONY OF GODFREY OKOYE UNIVERSITY HELD ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2023, AT THE MAIN CAMPUS, UGWUOMU-NIKE, ENUGU.
ADDRESS OF THE CHANCELLOR AND CATHOLIC ARCHBISHOP OF ABUJA, MOST REV. DR. IGNATIUS AYAU KAIGAMA, AT THE 11TH CONVOCATION CEREMONY OF GODFREY OKOYE UNIVERSITY HELD ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2023, AT THE MAIN CAMPUS, UGWUOMU-NIKE, ENUGU.
Protocol:
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.
Today is another memorable day as we mark the 11th convocation ceremony of our great Godfrey Okoye University. This convocation ceremony is a categorical statement about the steady and fast growth of our University. God has blessed the University with numerous achievements. To Him be glory and praise!
My deepest gratitude goes to the Proprietor of Godfrey Okoye University and Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Most Rev. Dr. Callistus Valentine Chukwuma Onaga, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Ernest A. Obodo and the Bishop Emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Okonkwo Gbuji, for working relentlessly for the progress of the University. I also express my gratitude to the ever dynamic and creative Vice Chancellor of the University, Rev. Fr. Prof. Dr. Christian Anieke and his team, the Board of Trustees led by its Chairman, Prof. Dr. Bartho Okolo, the Governing Council also led by its Chairman, Prof. Dr. Christian Nwachukwu Okeke, the Senate, the Management and the entire staff and other stake holders, who have remained very strong pillars who continue to nurture this University and all the young men and women who study here to become positively transformed Nigerians.
I congratulate the parents of the graduating students who even in these harsh economic times continued to be committed to sacrificing so much to keep their children and wards in school. I pray that you will reap the fruits of your hard labour of love in bountiful measures.
What distinguishes Godfrey Okoye University is that students are admitted from all the states of Nigeria, and at the same time, the staff are drawn from different parts of the country. You can already see that with students and staff coming from most sates of Nigeria, the University has created a good setting for cross fertilization of ideas and cultural dialogue which is one core element of its mission. In consideration of award of scholarships, Godfrey Okoye University stands out. Scholarship opportunities are given to indigent applicants irrespective of ethnicity or geo-political origin.
I note with satisfaction the spiritual ethos of common daily prayers by students and members of staff in addition to the morning Masses. These exercises do not only give God a place in the heart of the University, but also create a conducive atmosphere which helps to churn out graduates imbued with the fear of God, and the sense of right and wrong, virtues badly needed in our country where in many cases morality is thrown to the dogs when people are entrusted with leadership positions to promote the common good.
I have no doubt that you our graduating students will be shining stars as Philippians 2:15-16 urges, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” You are expected to shine among Nigerians like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life in your daily behavior and in your attitude to work and indeed throughout your life.
As you leave this university academically equipped, spiritually recharged, and morally transformed, I believe that the spirit of your Alma Mater, the Godfrey Okoye University, will always motivate, inspire and guide you and its motto will continue to be your inspiration wherever you find yourselves.
For the sake of these young and gifted Nigerians, I hope that those political leaders who have won their elections after vigorous campaigns, promising to make life better for Nigerians, they will through good governance make the army of young people in Nigeria beneficiaries of the dividends of democracy, a democracy predicated on fairness, equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, without alienating or marginalizing anyone or group on account of unhealthy political calculations.
My dear young, intelligent, dynamic and promising graduating students, please be patient with all the ups and downs you will face as you go into the wider society in search of what to do to make meaning of your life. Shun violence and any form of criminality. What dialogue and enlightened behaviour cannot give you, violence or criminality cannot do it.
Let me specially congratulate and celebrate our honorary degree (Honoris Causa) awardees whose meritorious service to God and humanity earned them this honour. We appreciate your contributions to the development of Godfrey Okoye University. We thank you for identifying with the University and for your acts of benevolence. May this gesture of award motivate you to do more for the University which you so dearly love and for society in general.
I now invoke the good Lord to bless you dear distinguished personalities and all of you attending this convocation. May the Lord lead you safely back to your various destinations.
Thank you all, and may God continue to bless you now and all the days of your life.
