- new magnificent college chapel dedicated
By Nna Anulumadu
The famous Christ the King College (CKC) Onitsha, was literally a beehive of activities between 23rd and 26th November 2023 as the school management rolled out various programmes of event to celebrate 90 years of existence of the college.
The landmark event which brought various sets of old boys of the college together witnessed solemn dedication of an ultramodern and gingatic chapel to commemorate the feast of Christ the King.
Highlights of the occasion included presentation of merit awards to old boys and other various sets of the college who distinguished themselves in giving back to their alma mater.
Some of the old boys and friends of the college who donated generously towards the construction of the newly dedicated chapel were appreciated. They included Archbishop Valerian Okeke, Mr Eugene Agbimson, Mr Emeka Agusiobo, Barr and Mrs Anthony Nwapa, Mr and Mrs Ezem Osakwe, Senator Mike Ajegbo, Dr Cyprian Emeka Uzoh, C.KC Alumni class of 1982, 1988, 1985, CKC Aumni America, CKC Alumni Abuja branch, CKC parents Association and many others.
In his Homily at the dedication Mass, Archbishop Okeke described a chapel as a miniature church and emphasized on need for every Catholic school to have Chapel since it is sacrosanct in spiritual formation of the students. He charged the students to visit the chapel always and pray, assuring that such habit will help them excel both morally, academically and otherwise.
He recalled that after the civil war that led to destruction of so many things in CKC, a new building that served as Chapel was erected through the sponsorship of an old boy, former Governor Peter Odili but now not big enough to contain the students.
Archbishop Okeke further extolled the school principal Rev Fr Dr Celestine Arinze Okafor for starting and completing the new CKC chapel that has capacity to contain over a thousand students.
He expressed satisfaction at the academic prowess the school is demonstrating, reminding the sudents that CKC stands for integrity, excellence, discipline and academic finesse, culture they ought to embrace. He equally appreciated former governors Peter Obi, Chief Willie Obiano and many other old boys for not letting academic flame of the college to extinguish.
Anambra state governor Professor Charles Soludo who was represented at the event by the Executive Chairman Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board ( ASUBEB) Prof (Mrs) Vera Nwadinobi, in a message congratulated the College at 90, stating that he is happy over laurels, the college has been garnering over the past years, adding that evidence on the ground has proved beyond reasonable doubt that CKC stands tall academically. He also assured his continual support to the college and other schools in the state.
In an address, the school eulogized the Archbishop and proprietor of the college,His Grace Most Rev Valerian Okeke for his magnanimity and unflinching support to the college, stating that it was the Archbishop who set the ball rolling by donating the first one million naira for the construction of the new chapel when the proposal was presented to him.
The address disclosed that CKC is setting the pace academically, morally and otherwise, and highlighted some giant strides the college achieved in the recent time and further commended old boys of the college for their generosity towards the construction of the new Chapel, thanking the various CKC alumni sets for their candid generosity for the school projects, including building of the new chapel.
It was also remarked that CKC has produced Bishops, governors, senators and other great men, asserting that the college will not relent in future.
The school principal Rev Fr Dr Arinze in appreciation poured encomiums on the Archbishop for his usual magnanimity and support to the college, describing him. as a good prelate by every definition. He further expressed unreserved gratitude to the old boys of the college, parents of the students and the staff of the college for their various supports that made the anniversary and chapel dedication, realities..
An old boy and major financier of the college Chapel Engr Eugene Agbimson who spoke to the press expressed great joy over academic feats the school is constantly recording, describing it as testimony that the college is not relenting in producing the best brains for the society. He commended Archbishop Valerian Okeke for his magnanimity to the school. He also eulogized the school principal Fr Arinze, the teachers and management team for their committed efforts in taking the college to unprecedented height, urging the students to embrace the opportunity the college is providing.
Also, another old boy. Barr Chinwuba Chukwurah and Mr Anito in their similar contributions congratulated their Alma mater for waxing stronger. They advised current students to work hard in order to become good ambassadors of the college.
