The importance of education in elevating a society can never be overemphasized. it is often described as the bed rock of every thriving society which helps to advance both personal and national development.
This necessitated the timely intervention of Dr Godwin Nwabunka,a lover of education,a philanthropist par excellence to channel his resources to renovate and reconstruct St Peter’s secondary school Awomnuzie Awomnizie Ikwuano LGA,Abia state to the amazement of all.
The institution which was the brain child of very Rev Fr Donatus Okpokpo who was intent on contributing a vehicle for spiritual formation to the work of umuahia diocese after the completion of his studies on Innsbruck ,Austria in 1985. Despite some earlier setbacks encountered,Dr Godwin Nwabunka took it upon himself and through the Grooming Centre renovated the institution to a world class standard.
The chairman of the occasion Dr Noel Ihebuzo in his address described Dr Godwin Nwabunka as an Amazon and beacon of hope to the people of Amizi Awomnuzie community through his developmental strides.
According to him “the level of support we got from Dr Godwin Nwabunka in renovating this institution is very massive.he has planted the seed of progress ,development to his community.
“He has made the dreams of the children come through.the students who once stayed in a dilapidated classroom can now learn in a peaceful and conductive atmosphere with world class facilities which makes learning effective and efficient.
“When a very busy man keeps a promise it is usually something magnificent.This massive Project will not just be owned by the church but rather the whole community.In two years time this place will be better than we met it.
Dr Noel therefore advised other illustrious sons of the community to imitate Dr Godwin Nwabunka in his good deeds inorder to attract quality developmental projects to the community.
In his remarks,the senator representing Abia central in the red chambers Sen col Augustine Akobundu Rtd who is equally an illustrious son of the Ikwuano community thanked Dr Godwin Nwabunka who he labelled a big brother for his good works to the community ever since he knew him.
Sen Akobundu on his part promised to continue to do everything within his means as a politician and lawmaker to attract development most especially infrastructure like good roads ,quality schools which is very much lacking in their domain.
The lawmaker ,a lover of education himself encouraged youths even graduates to engage in acquisition of digital skills which is very high in demand at the moment as he is championing that as a lawmaker through enrolment of over a thousand of his constituents to a six(6) weeks ICT skills programe .
In addition to that also over a thousand teachers have been engaged in different programs to enhance their teaching skills inorder to impact good knowledge to the students under their care.
He equally assured the people that in no distant time work will begin on the Ikot Ekpene Ikwuano road which has now become a death trap due to years of neglect.
sen Akobundu in his magnanimity also promised to provide solar power to the renovated St Peter’s secondary as part of his contribution and support to the institution.
The Principal of the school Rev fr Joseph and the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia diocese Most Rev Dr Michael Ukpong during their address praised Dr Godwin Nwabunka for his kind hearted gesture towards the institution.
In their words,” a generous person will prosper,whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.the philanthropic gesture of Dr Godwin Nwabunka is extremely magnificent.
“he equipped the school with modern and world class facilities to nurture the spirit soul and body of the students.
“Education is the most important weapon which can be used to change the world.
“A conductive and comfortable atmosphere has been provided for these young students to excel in their academic pursuit which will translate to raising bright minds that will add meaningful development to their various communities and the world at large.
Bishop Ukpong specifically described education as the corner stone of personal growth and equally thanked Dr Godwin Nwabunka for his magnanimity in using his wealth to impact the masses despite not been a politician.
He emphasised that the school which is been managed by the Catholic church isn’t for day students alone and therefore beckoned on individuals and group who are willing to invest in hostel facilities to come forward,build the hostels recoup their profits and finally hand it over fully to the church.
Bishop Ukpong warned against vandalizing of properties in the school premises as this is very common amongst us and thereafter pleaded that the school will be needing expansion of classrooms due to massive influx of students as a result of the recent upgrade and renovation of the school.
He described St Peter’s nursery,primary and Secondary school as pace setters and advised parents to bring their wards to the school and subsequently to Amadeus University as this will make them stand out in the society.
Dr Godwin Nwabunka the Ceo and the founder of Grooming centre in a visibly happy mood thanked Almighty God for the completion of this laudable project despite the various challenges encountered.
He equally commended the brain child behind this project very Rev Fr Donatus Okpokpo for his commitment,effort and moral support towards its actualization
According to him “when you look at the entire commitment,the vision,the energy,what the entire church and ecosytem have put you see that we have done very well.
Dr Godwin however stressed that the journey has just begun as building infrastructure is one thing and bringing the needed hands to sustain,manage and scale it up inorder to attract people across the country.
He said “that they are building a bridge between St Peter’s secondary school and Amadeus University which he happen to be the founder so that it will be a complete learning centre from kindergarten to primary to secondary and the university which will help to equip the student intellect in innovation and research.
When quizzed on what motivated him to take up this massive project Dr Nwabunka stated that very Rev Fr Donatus Okpokpo initiated the noble idea which gave birth to the establishment of this institution until it was eventually completed after several years despite the students sitting on the floor in classroom without windows.
He pleaded on the government to provide an enabling environment through provision of roads and adequate security to facilitate learning.
Highlights of the occasion was the presentation of welcome song by t and cultural dance display by the students to the admiration of dignitaries present.
