By Chinenye Dike
On Friday, July 5, 2024, the Old Boys Association of St. Patrick’s College (SPACO), Emene, came together to inaugurate the ICT and CBT Centre/SPACO Secretariat Complex project. The event commenced with an opening prayer led by the Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Ernest Obodo.
In his welcome address, High Chief Eric Igweshi, the National President of the SPACO Old Boys Association, expressed gratitude to the dignitaries and attendees. He commended Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mba of Enugu State for his exceptional commitment to education, which has significantly transformed the sector in the state. Chief Igweshi also acknowledged the contributions of the Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Calistus Onaga, for maintaining high educational standards in diocesan schools.
Chief Igweshi praised notable alumni, including Prof. Barth Nnaji for his efforts to improve the standards of SPACO, and Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, for his instrumental role in the project. He also recognized Chief O’Brien Offordu for his timely donations and support from potential donors.
Highlighting the inspiration behind the project, Chief Igweshi explained that the aim is to equip SPACO students with the necessary skills to thrive in a technologically advanced world. The idea was first discussed during a gathering of old boys on January 13, 2024, in Enugu, leading to a fundraising initiative.
Chief Igweshi called on old boys, friends of the college, parents, teachers, and the public to support the project. He acknowledged the efforts of various alumni classes, particularly the 1990 set led by Chief Tochukwu Ogbanufe and the 1988 set led by Chief Ken Udichi, for their unwavering support.
Emphasizing the importance of the National Secretariat Complex, Chief Igweshi explained that it would maintain updated contacts of all alumni and provide a space for visiting alumni to assess the school’s needs. He urged everyone to contribute generously to the college’s infrastructural development.
In his speech, the former national president expressed his delight that the long-held dream was finally becoming a reality. He encouraged all old boys to unite in support of the project, noting the significant contributions of Dr. Barth and Chief Nnaji.
The oldest alumnus, Engr. O’Brien, recounted the school’s growth and previous projects. He reminisced about the discipline and self-development instilled by the school’s priests, particularly mentioning Fr. Shine, Bishop Shanahan, and Fr. Joseph. He highlighted the association’s benefits, such as medical outreach programs, and appreciated the presence of the bishop and the governor’s representative.
Former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, attributed his success to the high-quality education received at SPACO. He emphasized the importance of giving back and called on the Commissioner of Information to advocate for SPACO’s inclusion in the smart school initiative.
Nnamdi Nwakobi, Vice President of the 1988 set, commended the old boys’ association and the school’s current administration. He urged teachers to continue their excellent work in shaping future generations.
Hon. Minister of Information, Science, and Technology, Chief Offordu, announced a donation of one million naira from Edwin Okafor and pledged to garner more support for the project.
Representing Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mba, Commissioner of Information Aka Eze Aka praised the school’s administration and the old boys’ unity. He emphasized the governor’s commitment to transforming education in Enugu State through the smart school initiative, which includes virtual education and AI integration.
In his speech, His Lordship Obodo thanked everyone involved, emphasizing the church’s role in education. He commended the governor’s focus on education and agriculture and prayed for the project’s success.
Rev. Fr. Dr. Franklin Eze, the principal of SPACO, expressed gratitude to all attendees. He encouraged students to follow the footsteps of the old boys, whose adherence to school rules contributed to their success. Fr. Eze promised to uphold the school’s traditions and elevate its standards.
The event marked a significant milestone in the history of St. Patrick’s College, Emene, as the old boys’ association continues to contribute to the institution’s growth and development.
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