Tag: MARTINS

IN a bid to create a more conducive atmosphere for learning, old students of Nigeria’s oldest catholic school, Oke Are Seminary, recently came together in an atmosphere of conviviality to wine, dine and raise funds for the renovation of their alma mater.

The national president of the old boys, Mr. Segun Ogumade in his remarks, said it gives him great pleasure to be in the midst of his classmates 40 years after. He took time out to extol the virtues of those who have distinguished themselves in their various endeavours, especially those who have dedicated themselves to the service of God.

Mr. Deji Louis, an old boy, also extolled the virtues of his glorious days in the minor seminary and how he was spiritually moulded.

Retired Bishop of Lagos, His Eminence Cardinal Okojie in his remarks, congratulated the old boys on the occasion. He said the purpose of the fund-raising was to improve the condition under which priests are trained in the institution and provide a healthy and clean environment for the seminary. He said most seminaries are now raising funds through the help of donors and from societies and individual groups. He said the occassion is also serving as an opportunity for old boys to meet again after a long time, to recall past experiences, old nicknames and share old jokes; and concluded that it was indeed a reason to thank God.

He recalled with nostalgia the camaraderie, which saw them relate with each other with so much love and respect and declared hilariously that he still cannot forget his love for ‘ewa and ijebu garri.’ He added that the seminary in Oke Are was a beautiful sight to behold back then.

Typically, Cardinal Okogie also seized the opportunity of the occasion to address the ruling class. He said Nigerians are suffering too much at the hands of politicians, whom he said “should be our fathers and leaders,” and called for urgent interventions.

He condemned the hardship occasioned by the plummeting crude oil prices, saying that oil is not Nigeria’s only resources.

“As we speak, it’s a very difficult situation and most families are not finding it funny,” he said and advised the government to be more sensitive to the people’s plight.

He thereafter prayed for the success of the administration.

In his speech, the Archbishop of Lagos, His grace Rt Rev. Alfred Matins gave a brief insight into life in their days in the seminary and the number of bishops that the institution has produced. He singled out Archbishop Christian Cardinal Tumi from francophone West Africa, whom he said has done so much for the growth of the seminary and spread the gospel in French-speaking West Africa.

He listed some of the bishops who have passed through the seminary to include Cardinal Anthony Okojie, Bishop Francis Alonge of Ondo, Archbishop Felix Alaba Job, the retired bishop of Ibadan, Archbishop Adelakun of Oyo diocese, Bishop Kevin Joesph Aje of Sokoto diocese of blessed memory, Most Rev Dr, Albert Fasina of Ijebu Ode diocese and Rt, Rev Dr. Felix Ajakaiye of Ekiti diocese.