By Polycarp Ifeanyi, Onitsha
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke has urged students of Science Schools in Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha to always dream to be successful and work hard to make it happen.
Archbishop Okeke made the disclosure during his opening speech at the event of Archbishop Valerian Okeke Science Competition (AVOSCO) which held at Basilica square of the Most Holy Trinity Onitsha, Anambra State.
The prelate admonished to the students to always have positive thinking to be successful in their academic studies by working hard towards making it a reality.
He said, " If you can dream success, you can make it happen. If you want to get first class, begin to desire for it, begin to work towards it. Make plans for it. It could be a reality. There is school in this country where Students get 9 A's. These students are not brighter than you. The only thing you can feel is that you are in the local school. It doesn't matter the school but what matters is your performance. So, I want all of you to dream of getting 9 A's in your senior WASCE and 6 A's in your Junior WAEC "
In his answer to question from students on what inspired him to organize Science Competition, the Archbishop said " It is for the well fare of the Students and to make them compit favourably when they go outside their institution also to make them to struggle harder. All inspiration comes from God. Your future gives me concern. What I want is your happiness. The best way to improve you greater is for you to have passion for science because science surpass all other department of leaning " Said the Archbishop.
Speaking to newsmen, the Onitsha Archdiocesan Education Secretary, Rev. Fr. Dr. Pascal Onwugbenu poured encomium to Archbishop Okeke who he said is the proprietor of all Schools that attended the competition, describing him as voice of the voiceless and eulogized him for his vision for people in the Onitsha Archdiocese.
He expressed confident on the Students based on their high academic performances, stating that they would withstand any competition at any level. He also commended the Students for their moral values which he said they exhibited during the competition.
Also speaking, the founder of Divine Rays British School Obosi, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma who his School virtually won all the positions attributed the performances of his Students to hard work, prayer, constant efforts and perseverance.
Ebube Muonso as he called said, he was highly excited for the brilliant performances of his Students revealing that they have reading culture and they have been winning so many awards, even as he described Archbishop Okeke as a gift to humanity and prayed God to protect him and keep him alive.
The results of the AVOSCO 2022 for Junior category includes; Ugochukwu Desmond Chimdindu of Christ the King College Onitsha-1st position, Ezeoke Chioma Lucy of Queen of Rosary College Onitsha-2nd position, Mmoka Francis Chukwubuikem of All Hallows Seminary Onitsha-3rd position.
In the senior category they includes; Ofomata Ifeanyichukwu Ernest of Divine Rays British School Obosi-1st position, Obiano Dennis Okwuchukwu of St. Joseph's Seminary Special Science Awka Etiti-2nd position, Okpala Henrietta Chidera of St. Kizito Girl's Secondary School Umudioka- 3rd position, just as match past, questions and answers session formed highlight of the event.