By Nna Anulumadu
The Archbishop of Onitsha and metropolitan of Onitsha Ecclesiastical province His Grace Most Rev Valerian Okeke on Saturday, September, 21 2024 , received torrents of accolades from Vice chancellors of Nigerian Universities and other members of the society for establishing Holy family Youth village as the institution celebrated 15 years of successful existence.
The historical event witnessed the presence of the founder of the Holy family youth village Archbishop Valerian Okeke, vice chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof Caro Arinze Umeobi, the vice chancellor Shanahan University Rev Fr Prof. Josephat Oguejiofor and other respected dignitaries.
In his homily during the holy mass that kick-started the event, Archbishop Okeke described the youth village hostel as the best in the country, since its establishment 15 years ago, stating that it was internationally standard built to give university students the best opportunity to realize their life time dream and graduate with first or second class upper division because it has all the facilities a student may require in order to excel both academically, morally and otherwise..
He shared his inspiration for building the village, stemming from his visit to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he witnessed subpar living conditions for students. Determined to change this narrative, he established the Holy Family Youth Village, which has become a haven for spiritual growth, education, and personal development
The prelate stated that today it has become a huge success story as the youth village has continued to produce best brains who are currently excelling in different parts of the world. Describing the commencement and completion of Youth village hostel project which can boast of above thousand accomodations, as God’s miracle, he disclosed that the fund available at the beginning of the project was not up a hundred million naira, but within five years , the project took 1. 5 billion naira at completion. He revealed that in youth village hostel, all the facilities including beds, wardrobes, shelves etc are available, as students can return with only their bags and books and begin to enjoy every other facility in place, reaffirming that it is the best university hostel in Nigeria and beyond.
His words: ” Those who studied here are giving a lot of credit to the formation they received at youth village.
In essence, God has done something remarkable in our lives and that calls for celebration. In youth village, we are building a culture of excellence and we need you ( the students ) in that project and without you the project will not work. It is therefore a call to embrace excellence in order to achieve the highest and finest quality that takes one to greatness.”
The Archbishop further revealed that the hostel fee is very much affordable compared with what can be obtainable outside there.
” We don’t want to build a hostel to maximize profits but to make you great . For you to achieve the greatness, you must first dream to be great. Don’t wait until the end of the semester before you start studying, secondly, break your dreams into small goals, plan well and follow it with actions, persevere and back it up with prayers and you will be at the pinnacle of excellence .”
The vice chancellor Nnamdi Azikiwe University Prof Caro Arinze Umeobi who was represented by D. V.C Academy Rev Fr Prof. Peter Agbonome (CSSP)in his remarks expressed unalloyed gratitude to Archbishop Okeke for the novelty of establishing a youth village hostel, commending his passion for youth education . He stated that the existence of the hostel has brought fame to Unizik since parents are happy to see their children who lived in the youth village hostel excel academically, morally and otherwise.
The vice chancellor Shanahan University Onitsha,Rev Fr Prof Josephat Oguejiofor while praising the Archbishop for his transformative vision turned into reality, posited that the youth village is yet another testament to his unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders. His selfless efforts have created a haven for spiritual growth, education, and personal development
The manager of Holy Family youth village Very Rev Fr Dr. Dominic Obielosi in his speech poured encomiums on the Archbishop for investing on youth development by establishing youth village hostel , describing his large heart and magnanimity as infectious and exemplary. He commended his management team for their commitment and hard work , testifying that their efforts is much appreciated as it has yielded great result. He charged the students not to relent in utilizing every opportunity the youth village is offering them. He announced that the Hotels will be repainted before the commencement of new academic session in order to beautify it again. He as well extolled the Archbishop for approving the painting project.
The Special Adviser to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra state on youth development, Hon. Dr. Nelson Omenugha who spoke to the press at the occasion, stated that Archbishop Valerian Okeke’s dedication to youth empowerment and spiritual development has been evident in his efforts to provide a comfortable and supportive environment for the hostel occupants.
Earlier in their address, the princes and princesses ( occupants ) of youth village laud the prelate for giving them the golden opportunity of studying in most conducive , friendly environment where great dreams are being conceived and actualized. They thanked for him for being a loving and caring father to them, testifying that constant provision of basic amenities such as free light, free water, free transportation, free food at intervals to the them is an unusual magnanimity that is second to none in Nigerian society.
They further extended their heartfelt appreciation to Archbishop for providing them with exceptional facilities, fostering a conducive environment for their spiritual growth and development.
Speaking to Trinitas Newspaper , a Law student Oluchi Ezechukwu who lived in the said hostel before her graduation recently said Youth Village Hostel has become a home away from home, thanks to Archbishop Okeke’s vision and generosity.
Also, a 200 level student, (another occupant) Ukamaka Nwali in her words affirmed that facilities here are top-notch, and we’re grateful for the Archbishop’s commitment to our well-being.”
Trinitas Newspaper further observed that youth village hostel contains private rooms with state-of-the-art recreational facilities, well-equipped library and study areas, Chapel for spiritual reflection and worship , hygienic dining and kitchen facilities.
It was further learnt that the hostel’s facilities have positively impacted the occupants, enabling them to : Focus on academic and spiritual growth, develop meaningful relationships and community, cultivate leadership and life skills, enhance their overall well-being.
