The Education Trust Fund Auditorium of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam was filled to capacity as the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kate Omenugha, principal officers, staff, management, students of the university, priests, religious and entire Catholic community of the institution came out in their numbers to welcome Francis Cardinal Arinze to the university.
Queen Anigbogu reports that the event which was the official visit of the Cardinal to the Ivory tower featured holy mass, reception of the Cardinal, lecture and interactive session.
In his homily during the holy mass, Francis Cardinal Arinze harped on the characteristics of the Holy Spirit and His works in the lives of Christians in guiding and keeping the church united, describing Jesus Christ as One and Only Saviour, and noted that the Holy Spirit guides the Church.
In her welcome remarks, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Kate Omenugha expressed great delight at the visit of the Cardinal to the institution, the presence of Bishop Dennis Isizoh of Aguleri Catholic diocese and the outstanding turnout of people at the event.
Describing the Cardinal as not just a Catholic Priest but a world figure and role model that the university is looking up to, Professor Omenugha said that the university has began rebranding and the setting up of an interdenominational Committee where they have ecumenical relationship.
The mass featured Bible readings, administration of holy sacrament to the faithful, offertory, choir rendition and special prayers for the university, Anambra State and Nigeria at large.
In his lecture titled, “Promoting Social Responsibilities and Ethical Conduct, the Guest Lecturer, Francis Cardinal Arinze stated that Nigeria should promote televised debate during elections, which would give the electorate the opportunity to decide which candidate they want, adding that universities should help in the formation of leaders who cannot be bought while governments and politicians should allow the universities to exercise their rights of expressions irrespective of party affiliations.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics of the university, Professor Osita Chiaghanam in a vote of thanks, appreciated his eminence for the official visit to the institution, and for the symbolic tree planting which he described as trees of hope and assured that they will guide the trees jealously till they matured.
Appreciation to Cardinal Arinze by the university community, Igbo poetic chant, as well as question and answer session brought the event to a climax.
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