FUNAI CATHOLIC COMMUNITY, ANUPA CELEBRATE OUTGOING REGISTRAR
The Catholic faithful in the Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (FUNAI), Ebonyi State, under the auspices of Holy Family Catholic Chaplaincy and National Federation of Catholic Students (NFCS), FUNAI chapter, on Monday, 13th February, 2017, organized a commendation church service in honour of the outgoing Registrar of the University, Mr. Gabriel Oko Chukwu.
Registrar, Mr. G.O Chukwu and members of the NFCS, FUNAI chapter
The Holy Mass which drew staff and students alike to the University auditorium was celebrated by the representative of the Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Rev.Fr. Dr. Edward Inya-Nwachi and the Holy Family Catholic Chaplain, Rev Fr. Peter Agbo.
L-R: Rev. Fr. Peter Agbo, Registrar, Mr. G.O Chukwu, Wife of the Registrar, Mrs. Agness Chukwu and Rev. Fr. Dr. Edward Inya-Nwachi after the Holy Mass in honour of the Registrar
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Nwachi admonished faithful to live lives of sacrifice by giving themselves as a gift to others, noting that the hallmark of Christian faith is centered on love, exemplified through the sacrificial death of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary for love of mankind. The Catholic clergy further explained that the gathering was to honour a man that has given himself to the service of God and humanity, advising staff to emulate Mr. Chukwu’s disposition to selfless service.
Recalling the role of Mr. Chukwu in establishing the Holy Family Catholic Chaplaincy, FUNAI, the Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Agbo noted that the Registrar contributed immensely to the growth and development of Catholic faith in the University, stressing that without his contribution the chaplaincy would not have achieved much.
And in recognition of Mr. Chukwu’s selfless support and contribution to the growth of Catholic faith in the University and beyond, he was honoured with the title of ‘Pillar of Faith” by the Chaplaincy and given an Award of Appreciation by the National Federation of Catholic Students (NFCS), FUNAI chapter.
Registrar, Mr. G.O Chukwu (5th R), wife, Mrs. Agnes Chukwu and Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Peter Agbo and some staff and students after receiving the award
Meanwhile, the Association of Nigeria Universities Professional Administrators (ANUPA) also held a send-forth ceremony in honour of the pioneer Registrar. ANUPA is an umbrella body of all administrative staff working in Nigerian Universities.
Speaking during the event, the chairman of ANUPA, FUNAI chapter, Mr Friday Onwumere explained that the event was to honour in a special way, the man whom honour was due, adding that time and space would not allow him recount all his testimonies about the registrar. Speakers after speakers took turn to eulogise the registrar, thanking him for the good foundation he has laid in the University and for impacting positively on the lives of staff especially administrators, and wishing him well in his future endeavours.
Registrar, Mr. Chukwu and Wife, Mrs. Agnes Chukwu, Dean of Engineering and Technology, Prof. Mathew Edeoga in a group photograph with Executive of ANUPA
Admonishing members of ANUPA to emulate the administrative dexterity and forthrightness of the outgoing Registrar, the Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology, Prof. Mathew Edeoga charged them to exhibit qualities akin to that of their out-going boss, noting that it was only by doing so that people would know he left indelible marks in the University especially in the area of human capital development.
In his response, Mr. Chukwu thanked the organizers of the events, noting that he was overwhelmed by their show of love, pleading that they give the same support to the incoming Registrar of the University.
Registrar, Mr. Chukwu thanking the organizers for the honour