By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan
Most Rev. Alaba Job, the Archbishop Emeritus, Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, has emphasised the need for government to return missionary schools to their original state and rightful owners.
He said this on Saturday in Ikire, during the thanksgiving mass and blessing of the renovated chapel by Fatima College Ikire, 1976 set, in commemoration of the school’s 70th anniversary.
He urged the Fatima College, Ikire, Old Boys Alumni to arise and ensure that government returns missionary schools such as fatima, to their original state and owners.
He urged the old boys alumni of the college to champion the cause and reclaim the school’s heritage.
The priest expressed hope that the school would regain its freedom and original status if the alumni engaged in the pursuit.
“The school is celebrating its 70th anniversary but do you like what you see today?
“I challenge you to arise, wake up and never sit back in this pursuit of the school return, so that it can shine as before,” he said.
He however, encouraged today’s ‘Fatimarians’ to remain strong in God, assuring them that there is still hope.
He enjoined them to always remember the school they came from and uphold the godly legacy by being shining examples of all good things.
“Difficulties shouldn’t overtake us, but we should always overtake our difficulties.
“May our youths rise up above the useless things they pursue today and become better,” Job said.
The Archbishop, Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, who celebrated the Mass, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin urged the students to face their studies seriously so as to be great in life.
“You can see how great the old boys of this college have become today; it’s a reward for hard work, so work harder if you want to be like them,” Abegunrin said.
The President of 1976 set, Retired Navy Capt. Akintunde Olunloyo, urged the members to do their best to ensure the schools were returned to the boarding house.
He thanked the management of the school for their cooperation and the 1976 set for being united and working in unity.
The chairman, 70th Anniversary Planning Committee, Dr Paul Ilona, urged government to partner with the private sector towards the development of education.
He tasked alumni bodies to complement government’s efforts in areas of infrastructure and capacity development of students and teachers.
“Our alumni has been giving back to its community. In the course of this programme we held free medical checks and no fewer than 200 people were treated freely.
“We have invested millions in the development of this school, so the alumni will play their roles while the government should also do theirs,” he said.
Ilona appreciated distinguished excellency, traditional rulers, clerics teachers and the 70th anniversary planning committee for supporting and making the event a huge success.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fatima College, Ikire which began its remarkable journey in January 1956, was founded by the Society of African Missions (SMA) of the Catholic Church.
Located in Ikire, Osun State, the college was guided at its inception by its pioneering principal, Late Rev. Francis McCabe.
The highlights of the event were the Late Msgr. Peter Ajibola Marathon Race; Career guidance for students; Talent hunt competition, among others.
Awards were also given to some clerics, traditional rulers and alumni members for their unwavering support while some teachers and students were also awarded for their outstanding performances.
(NAN)
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