- NFCS kicks off Federation Week

Lecturers in the higher institutions of learning in Nigeria have been challenged to see themselves as positive tools for the survival of students entrusted to them in their various specialties. Rev. Fr. Dr. Jude Onwana made the clarion call while preaching a homily on Sunday, June 9, at the St. Thomas Aquinas Chaplaincy, FUTO in a concelebrated Mass to support the Pew Project embarked upon by the graduating students of the chaplaincy known as VICTORIOUS 2008 Set. In his soul searching reflection, Fr. Onwana said that the Sunday’s readings challenge Christians to a positive approach to suffering. Using biblical personalities like Elijah and Paul as highlighted in the day’s readings, he stressed on the need to remain resolute and committed to God in the face of suffering. The homilist insisted that the faithful should like Elijah, make their presence a source of joy, relief and hope to those they meet. As Elijah restored  hope of the woman to Zarephath, he challenged the faithful to make their faith elicit hope in those they meet on their life’s journey. According to him, both Elijah and Paul realized the importance of anchoring on God to overcome the onerous tasks that faced them and not to please human beings. In the same way, he maintained, those who serve God must be concerned principally with pleasing God rather than satisfying human wants. Fr. Onwana challenged FUTO lecturers to set the pace for other lecturers in Nigeria by shunning all forms of exploitation and negative practices that scandalize their students. He urged them to emulate their foreign counterparts in Europe and America who glory in leading their students to success beyond the lecture rooms. He called on them to avoid negative competitions that compromise the essence of their calling as teachers while inviting students to emulate positive habits and learn to remain faithful to God to overcome the tragedies of failure.

In his introductory remarks at the Mass, the chaplain and chief celebrant Fr. Dr. Jude Chikaodi Ike informed the congregation that the FUTO Chaplaincy was having a double celebration. He said that the Mass marked the commencement of the Federation Week for the Nigerian Federation of Catholic Students (NFCS) and also offered the graduating Set of Students (aka Victorious 2008) an opportunity to unveil their pet project, namely the donation of one hundred and forty eight pews to the chaplaincy. Fr. Ike called on the students to imbibe and promote oneness in faith irrespective of affiliations to sodalities and associations in the church which merely enhance their worship of the triune God. He urged them to make Christ the centre of their life and action.

The students, in a post Communion display, put up a lot of drama show to kick off their Federation Week and rolled out numerous entertainment programs in the time table to make the week a memorable one. Cultural dances, drama by the Morning Star Drama Group, Football competition, Choral display by the St. Thomas Aquinas Choir, etc would make the Federation Week attractive.  The highlight of the opening ceremony was the lighting of the Federation torch which was brought to the altar by the NFCS members and received by the Chaplain who declared the week open.

The Coordinator of the victorious 2008 set Mr. Henry Oradiegwu, his Vice Pauline Wafer, the Project Coordinator Gerald Omen and the NFCS President Kenneth Ikpamezie who spoke on behalf of the students expressed their appreciation to those who made the day a success. They said that they never imagined their dream could come to reality.

Meanwhile, Fr. Vincent Arisukwu anchored the unveiling of the Pew Project for the Victorious 2008 Set. The students contributed generously with a good number taking up the sponsorship of pews individually and collectively to register their support to the noble idea. Some parents present were exhilarated at the students’ resourcefulness and equally made contributions to motivate their children and wards in their initiative. The day was tagged “Operation Say Bye Bye to Plastic Seats”.

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