By Olivia Obijiaku
Newly elected executive members of Nigeria Federation of Catholic Students (NFCS), Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, were inaugurated on Sunday, 1st September, 2024. The new officials who were elected on 24th August, 2024 and the new Secretary who came into office through a bye-election of 31st August were charged by the Chaplain, Very Rev Fr. Peter Bauna Tanko to represent the Church well.
With the oath taking and inauguration which took place in the parish, the following were empowered to discharge their duties in the following capacities:
Alexander Ogbolu – President; Veronica Joachim Taiwo – Vice President; Aaron Kwaghijime – Secretary General; Charles Kpalev – Assistant Secretary General; Agatha Iornum – Financial Secretary; Christiana Ejeh – Treasurer; Chioma Jennifer Ukenedo – Fellowship Coordinator; Ifeanyi Peter Agbo – Organizing Secretary; Nathaniel Funom Bulus – PRO I; Nicholas Oche – PRO II; Mary-Grace Okoh – Provost I; and Emmanuel John Asana – Provost II.
In an interview with Trinitas Newspaper Onitsha, the new president disclosed that among other things, his intention is to revive the Catholic faith in members through the monthly Catholic Faith Series and Quarterly Revivals; sustain the existing sourcing and distribution of welfare packages to all registered members; help Post UTME candidates prepare adequately for the examinations; provide a digital database for the House of NFCS; emphasize on organizing tutorials for members in several courses as well as sourcing for tutors for the purpose; as well as to identify and source for opportunities for members in the areas of skill acquisition, scholarship opportunities and grants.
On his parts, the immediate past President, Theophilus Obaje Sani thanked God, the Chaplain, Patron, Patronesses and the Federation for the privilege and honour given to him and his team to serve in such capacities. He enumerated the successes recorded during his tenure to include, Public Lectures for members; Visit to the Catholic Bishop of Zaria, Most Rev Dr. Habila Tyiakonaboi Daboh; Formation of Local Organizing Committee with the mandate of supporting Central Executives Community Engagement; Creation of a Standard Academic Unit; Securing a space for NFCS Business Centre with the support of the printer donated by the alumni; Renovation of NFCS Secretariat and Fast racking the inclusion of NFCS in the University Portal.
Though his administration faced some challenges such as Bureaucracy and bottlenecks accessing Federation’s funds from the bank; Lack of good sound system for Fellowship; and Low participation of members for CANTATA during the NFCS Week he said, “However, these challenges met with resilience and creativity. We learned valuable lessons about the importance of collaboration, effective communication, and the need for continuous improvement.
As a way forward, Sani recommended sustaining the good relationship established in the church; sustaining the Local Organizing Committee for NFCS Week; enhancing member participation via diverse activities, ranging from sports in First Semester; Embracing Digital Advancement; Leveraging Technology to enhance communication; and maintaining an active online presence to keep members informed and connected.
