Archbishop Okeke Lays Foundation For Rectory At Shanahan University, Onitsha

By Polycarp Ifeanyi

The Archbishop of Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, has laid the foundation stone for a Rectory at Shanahan University Onitsha, Anambra State.

The ceremony took place at the institution’s permanent site at Trans-Nkisi Layout, Onitsha.

The Rectory project was donated by Engineer Ikem Osanakpo and his family in memory of their late parents, Louis and Kate Osanakpo.

During the foundation-laying ceremony, Archbishop Okeke offered prayers for the successful completion of the project, asking God to bless the donor and his family. He also prayed for the growth and development of the university, as well as for the priests who will reside in the Rectory, alongside the staff and students of the institution.

Also speaking, the Archdiocesan Education Secretary, Rev. Fr. Dr. Paschal Onwugbenu, prayed for the speedy completion of the project, while other faithful present offered prayers for the continued progress of the university and the wellbeing of its students.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the event, the donor, Engineer Ikem Osanakpo, said the project was undertaken to immortalise his parents and contribute to the development of the Church and society.

“I want to contribute to the progress of Onitsha community. We are part of Onitsha and we must play our role in shaping its future. When people talk about Onitsha, the focus is often on commerce, but we want to help change that narrative by promoting education.

“We are happy to be part of this vision. This project is dedicated to the memory of our late parents, Louis and Kate Osanakpo,” he said.

The contractor handling the project, Engineer Uche Ubajiaka, described the building as a significant and laudable development. He noted that the structure would serve as a befitting residence for priests working within the university.

Ubajiaka disclosed that the Rectory would be a five-storey building designed to provide adequate accommodation and comfort.

He commended the Osanakpo family for their generosity and prayed for God’s continued blessings upon them for supporting the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha.

Dignitaries at the event included the Vice Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Basil Ekwunife; Vice Chancellor of Shanahan University, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Josephat Obi Oguejiofor; Archdiocesan Education Secretary, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Paschal Onwugbenu; Archdiocesan Director of Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. George Adimike; Very Rev. Fr. Barr. Justice Ileka; site supervisor, Rev. Fr. Charles Otuto; and several priests, engineers, and members of the Osanakpo family, among others.