Benue state governor, Hyacinth Alia on Monday, January 31, asked his alma mater, St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary, Makurdi, the state capital, to pray for the success of his administration.
He said he needed prayers to triumph over landmines planted by anti-people forces.
The seminary belongs to the Catholic Ecclesiastical Province of Abuja, comprising the Arch Diocese of Abuja and the Dioceses of Lokoja, Idah, Makurdi, Gboko, Lafia, Otukpo and Katsina Ala.
It is the third largest Seminary in the country after Bigard Memorial Seminary Enugu and St. Augustine Major Seminary, Jos.
Alia made the request during his visit to the school, where he was received by the Vice Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Samuel Akagwu, who thanked him for remembering his alma mater.
According to a statement by his Principal Special Assistant (Print Media), the Fr. Akagwu thanked the governor for the on going access road project in the school.
He said the road, when completed, will serve, not only the seminary, but also the people living within the neighborhood.
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Fr. Akagwu, who appealed to the governor to regularly visit the school, highlighted its challenges, including hostel accommodation and an auditorium.
The president of the alumni association, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Thomas Omiru said the alumni were proud of the governor because of his achievements in the last eight months.
Presenting the ‘Award of Service to Humanity’ from the association to the governor, Omiru said it was in recognition of his feats, which have been hailed by other secular organizations.
Fr. Alia thanked the association for the honour, promising not to let the institute the association down.
He commended the service of priests who live at the grassroots with the people, saying that they bear testimony to the peooleexperience.
He urged the priests as leaders of the church to collaborate with the government at all levels since most of the functions carried out by the church, including health care delivery, provision of schools and care for the poor are functions of government.
He said despite being governor, he still maintained his status as a priest, adding that he will remain a priest after leaving office.
Fr. Alia said he chose to serve as governor because of his love for the masses, stressing that he will serve them diligently.
He commendd priests who are working in difficult and volatile environments, assuring them of his hand of fellowship.
Alia urged the priests to always take the celebration of the Holy Eucharist seriously, saying that it provides solution to all challenges.
He said the Holy Eucharist will serve as the source of strength to all who believe in it.
The governor said at aquiet moment, the Liturgy of the Hour brings about calmness and inner discovery in the life of a priest.
The governor urged the clerics to always remember him in their prayers so that his government can always navigate through the landmines that are usually planted by anti-people forces.
Alia donated five cows and 20 bags of rice to the alumni association and five cows and 100 bags of rice to the Seminarians.
