The St. Teresa’s College (STC) Nsukka Old Boys Association has lauded Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for the remarkable accomplishments his administration has recorded since its inauguration, saying they are proud of his good works.
At a reception christened “Homecoming of an Old Boy” held at the college grounds, the governor was described as a God-fearing and humane leader who feels the pulse of the masses and responds to their needs accordingly.
They unanimously agreed to vote and support the governor’s re-election in 2019 to enable him continue with his good works he has started in the state.
Speaking on the event’s significance, the principal of the college, Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Melitus Ezikanyi, said it was the first time all the college’s old boys, staff, students and PTA would converge to honour a distinguished alumnus.
“Within a mere three years in office, the governor has empowered one thousand youths in the state and has also recruited two thousand teaching staff to enhance teaching and learning.
“Despite dwindling revenue, he has maintained the payment of workers’ salaries before the 25th of every month, paid 13th month salary to workers last year and cleared arrears of pensions,” he said.
He added that as a student, the governor distinguished himself in both academics and sports as well as spiritually, pointing out that the heights he has attained did not, therefore, come to them as a surprise.
Also commending Gov. Ugwuanyi, the association’s national president, Chief J.B.C. Okonkwo, thanked the people of Enugu for the state-wide endorsements the governor has received ahead the 2019 general elections.
“We are really proud of you as an outstanding performer and achiever in your monumental infrastructural and human development, your economic empowerment programmes, the road network, improved health facilities and practicable modern agricultural policies. To us in Enugu State and beyond, you are a national asset, a genius.
“We the entire staff and students, PTA, Old Boys of the college and Nsukka in general will not only support you morally but will vote for you in 2019. We therefore, endorse you for re-election to enable you complete the good works you have started”.
The event which attracted a large number of the school’s old boys also featured a Eucharistic mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Vitalis Ukwuaba, dean of philosophy at Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu. The Catholic priest thanked God for “making it possible for one of our alumnus to rise to the to the apex of governance in Enugu State”.
According to him, Gov. Ugwuanyi’s electoral triumph in 2015 is a Passover for Nsukka people, for St. Teresa’s College and for Enugu State. Gov. Ugwuanyi the much I know has been making giant strides. Many workers in the state have also witnessed this Passover through him, and he is doing it within this period of economic crisis in the country. The type of overwhelming support he gets and thus the peace we enjoy is a Passover,” he said.
Gov. Ugwuanyi in his response thanked the school’s old boys association for the reception in his honour. He also thanked the school’s founding fathers for imparting enduring values like hardwork and discipline which have helped students over the decades to grow in their chosen professions.
“I left STC in 1980, but the fond memories continue to linger. I’m very proud to have passed through this great institution and remain grateful to the great tutors who shaped us into what we have attained today,” he said, thanking the association for its continued support to his administration.#
