15/11/21
~Harps on sustained sickle cell awareness among students; As director of APLSCD, Rev Fr Dr Cosmas Ebebe, launches book on Theology of Christian Education.
It was a memorable occasion on Sunday 14 November, at Austica Memorial College Nanka, when staffs, students, friends and well-wishers of the college gathered in their numbers for the investiture of the new students and inauguration of 2021/2022 academic session.The event which began with a pontifical high mass and was officiated by the Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia diocese, Most Rev Dr Peter Ebere Okpalaeke, with concelebrating priests including the Director of APLSCD, Rev Fr Dr. Cosmas Ebebe, and the Principal of the College, Rev Fr Barr. Obiora Okeke, who doubles as APLSCD diocesan chaplain for Ekwulobia. Other priests where Rev Fr Prof. Boniface Obiefuna, Rev Fr Martin Anusi, and the Chancellor, Ekwulobia Catholic Diocese.
In a welcome address presented by the dean of studies, Mrs Susan Onyeguli, she noted that, “Austica Memorial College Nanka has become a brand of what modern education is all about,” thereby re-echoing the visions of the founding fathers. She appreciated Bishop Okpalaeke, Rev Fr Barr Obiora Okeke, staffs, the PTA, coaching crews and other tutors for their commitments and selfless service in the course of education and human development.
Rev Fr Dr Cosmas Ebebe, a former principal of the college who launched his book, “Theology of Christian Education: My Austica Experience,” was extolled for his good works at the college when he was the principal. Using his experience in the academic environment of Austica to reinforce his ideas about christian education, Fr Ebebe submitted that sound morality can still be fetched in missionary schools, unlike their secular counterparts. The book is beneficial to those who believe in education in a christian formation.
The national coordinator of the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder, APLSCD, Mrs Aisha Edward Maduagwu, used the occasion to call for sustained sickle cell sensitization awareness on all students across boards. She emphasized the importance of creating a serene and enabling environment for learning to thrive, which she observed was the hallmark of Austica college, and what sets it apart from others. According to her, the college is a home and family to the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder for many years, as we normally end our yearly activities here with joy and thanksgiving. She highly commended Bishops Ezeokafor and Okpalaeke, for their long lasting impacts on education in the two sister dioceses. Mrs Maduagwu eulogized Fr Obiora Okeke on his leadership skills and innovation to the college, while praising Fr Ebebe for setting an enviable height for his successors to follow, and also adding value to the literary community with his new book.
Other side attractions of the event includes, cultural performances, debates, orchestra display, etc. The event was concluded with the launching of the school’s sports club.
© APLSCD NEWS PUBLICATION 2021
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