By Erasmus Ugbome & Sir Cyprian Eboagu
It was a memorable day for the pupils and staff of Santa Maria Nursery and Basic School, Utagba Ogbe, Kwale, Delta State on the 3rd of July, 2021 as the school marked its 25 years of existence amidst pomp and pageantry.
The Chairman of the occasion, High Chief Sir Imoninwerha, in a brief speech praised the founder and members of the school including the headmistress, Rev. Sr. Mary Leo Nwadim for her sterling qualities and disciplinary nature which has brought honour and prestige to the school in its entirety.
The Kwale Regional Vicar – Very Rev. Fr. Benard Olagba representing the Bishop of Warri Diocese, Most Rev. John Okeoghene Afareha, also commended the school authorities for the enviable height it has attained in just 25 years of its existence, noting that the school achieved such great milestone owing to the type of management it has on ground. He therefore commended the founder of the school, Very Rev. Fr. John Ibekwe and all those who have supported the school both morally and financially for ensuring that the school remains a huge success.
The Dean of Kwale Deanery and Parish Priest of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Kwale, Very Rev. Fr. Sylvanus Anamali equally thanked the Laity council and the church, noting that the pupils of the school have shown that they are given good orientation and would be future leaders. He also advised parents to guide the outgoing pupils on the basic fear of God in their lives. He further added that Catholic Education is worth emulating as it has set a legacy and an enviable standard for future leaders.
The schools headmistress, Rev. Sr. Mary Leo Nwadim in a welcome address, went down memory lane to state when the school was founded in January, 1996 and the circumstances that led to its establishment. Rev. Sr. Nwadim went further to note that the school (in its 25 years of existence has produced Engineers, medical doctors, Pharmacists, Nurses and even a Reverend Father). She therefore pleaded with parents and other good spirited minded persons to support the school.
The height of the celebration was the cutting of the anniversary cake and presentation of souvenirs to outstanding personalities: High Chief Benji Akanno, Sir Cyprian Eboagu, Hon. Barr. Emma Egri Okwaji, Late Catechist J. Onyeme, Rev. Fr. Jude Orjinta, Mazi A.O. Chukwusa, Chief Hon. Mrs. M Oluka, Professor Eric Agume Opia, Dr. Onyimi (Jnr) Mr. Ignatius Orji, Mr. Patrick Ifukor, Rev. Sr. Mary Bonaventure Aniagolu, Brother Martins Ogbuotoboh, Mrs. Loveth Osomowho (Longest serving Academic Staff) Dr and Mrs. Emma Nwokobia and the Jubilee headmistress, Rev. Sr. Mary Leo Nwadim.
