In our world today, the preponderance of Greek gifts has become so alarming such that, it is much uncommon to witness a situation where philanthropy has no strings attached to it. It was because of such rare situation that we cannot but be jubilant at the providential encounter our Rector, Rev. Fr. Dr. Ukoro Theophilus Igwe, had with the Governor of Anambra state, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Obi, early this year; the fruit of which was a promise of 32-seater bus to the seminary. With the anticipation of a positive reply from the governor, our joy knew no bounds when the Rector, was invited to the Government Lodge at Awka by His Excellency, Dr. Peter Obi, on the 2nd day of March 2014.
The Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Ukoro Theophilus Igwe, honored the invitation alongside some co-formators and Seminarians. When they got to the Governor’s Lodge at Awka on that faithful day, they were received by the Chaplain, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Jonas Benson Okoye. Other Major Seminaries in Onitsha province were also invited. The Rectors of the following Seminaries were present; Blessed Pope John Paul II Major Seminary, Okpuno, Awka, Seat of Wisdom Major Seminary, Owerri, Blessed Iwene Tansi, Major Seminary, Onitsha, Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu and also the administrator of Bishop Shanahan Specialist Hospital, Nsukka.
The governor later came in and welcomed all and sundry at the waiting room. His Excellency, in his speech, commended Our Rector, Rev. Fr. Dr. Ukoro Theophilus Igwe, indicating that it was the request made by the Rector that spurred him into thinking of providing a bus not only for Bigard, but also for other Major Seminaries around. He finally urged all present to keep to their faith and always remember his family in prayers, especially now that he was going out of the office.
The high point of the occasion was the presentation of a brand new 32-seater Coaster bus to the institutions indicated earlier, for the smooth running of their different programs.
In appreciation, the Rector of Pope John Paul II Major Seminary, Rev. Fr. Dr. Benjamin Ike Ewelu, on behalf of his fellow Rectors, expressed their unalloyed gratitude to His Excellency. The papers containing the Engine and Chassis numbers of each bus were then presented to the Rectors for documentation and licensing.
Finally, the taking of group photographs and the blessing of the keys to the busses brought the event to an end.