By Ifeanyi Onyekachi.
The Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, IMHA, was on Saturday, inducted into St Peter’s Seminary, Okigwe distinguished old boys Hall of Fame.
The induction took place during the annual convention and general meeting of St Peter’s Seminary Okigwe, Alumni Association which was held in Owerri.
Inducting the Speaker, the National President of the Association, Cajetan Mmadu, said that Mr Speaker is the first Old Boys from St Peter’s Seminary Okigwe, to be elected as a House Member and incidentally the first to become the Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly.
He expressed happiness that an alumnus of the institution is the No 3 citizen of Imo State.
The speaker was inducted following a motion moved by Mr. John Uwaleke of class of 87 supported by High Chief Fidelix Okolie, of class of 90.
In his remark, the Speaker, who was excited for being among his old boys gave a brief account of how he came into IMHA and his eventual emergence as the Speaker.
He hailed the institution for producing giants in both religious and secular fields.
He said, ” St Peter’s Seminary Okigwe, my alma mater, has established itself firmly as a unique institution known for the development of the spiritual, moral, social and all round growth of the individual”.
He called on his old boys to support the administration of Gov. Hope Uzodimma, who he said has done exceedingly well in all areas of the economy.
He noted that the Owerri-Okigwe Road, Owerri-Orlu Road, Owerri-Umuahia among several roads and infrastructure are either completed or receiving attention.
The Speaker called for a minute silence in honour of their late Rector, Rrv Fr (Dr) Ilonu, who he said instilled disciplined in them while in school.
Earlier, Rev Fr Dr. Cajetan Ihiem, was also inducted as Patron and Associate Member of St Peter’s Seminary Okigwe old boys association.
His induction was sequel to a motion moved by Mr Joseph Anyanwu.
The patron who was said to be the first to step his foot at that seminary, thanked the leadership and members for the honour done on him and promised his continued support.
The patron and Rector Seat of Wisdom Seminary, Owerri, applauded members of the old boys association for galvanizing their members to form a formidable association.
He noted that unlike others, the alumni have not forgotten the finger that fed them, hence their commitment to the institution that brought them up.
The event was graced by notable old boys including Mr Francis Ekezie (onyeocha nazu Igbo),
Rev Fr Dr Elias Nwokeke, Rev Fr Greg Nduka, the national Secretary of the Association among others.
