BY ABUCHI IFESINACHI, AWKA
The Manager of St. Mary's High School, Ifitedunu Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra , Rev. Fr. Dr. Jude Onebunne (Bulldozer) has received an excellence and diligence award from Tiv Youths Liberation Movement (TYOLIM) for his contributions in education as well as his exploits in character formation of children.
Presenting the award the president Tiv Youths Liberation Movement, Comrade John Shima said the choice of Rev. Fr. Onebunne came as a result of recommendation made by a serving corps member, Comrade Jacob Kumapinene who incidentally happened to be an executive member of TYOLIM.
He said the association after a thorough check on Rev. Fr. Onebunne's track records came all the way from Benue State to reward hardwork even as he urged him to maintain the tempo. He stated that the association had five axis namely: Jengbagh, Sankara, Kwande, Jechira and Mimdo axis adding that they were out to ensure that good work don't go unnoticed.
Comrade Shima said based on what he was told about Rev. Fr. Onebunne that he (Fr. Onebunne) derived joy in making others happy even at the expense of his comfort.
Earlier in a speech, the vice president TYOLIM, Jengbagh axis and a serving corps member with St. Mary High School, Comrade Jacob Kumapinene described Rev. Fr. Onebunne as a sincere man of God, man of uncommon character, a friend of the poor and a cheerful leader saying that his creative ingenuity had made his stay in the school a memorable one. He appreciated him for the ongoing transformation in the school even as he pledged his support to the school management.
Responding, Rev. Fr. Dr. Jude Onebunne thanked the association for the recognition and promised to do more . Rev. Fr. Onebunne, while describing the award and recognition as a call for more service, said all the achievements recorded would not have been possible without the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor whom he said gave him the opportunity to serve, the teachers and students of St. Mary's High School, Ifitedunu noting that the teachers and the students understand the purpose of teaching and learning.
According Rev. Fr. Onebunne who was immediate past manager of Holy Child Second School, Isuofia Aguata Council Area of the State, the school major objective was to encourage a more reputation sensitive society and to generate appropriate man power that would sustain focus and also to churn out individuals that would respect the dignity of every person in Nigeria.
He further noted that he owes a duty to posterity to build a future to avoid children laying blames on their fathers for failing in their responsibility, pointing out that acquisition of skills, which St. Mary's High School stands for was to produce the middle level man as well as job creators
The award ceremony which started with words of commendation attracted men from all walks of life notable among whom were Anambra State Commissioner for Women's Affairs, Dr. Mrs. Victoria Chikwelu; Veteran broadcaster and presenter, Chief Mrs Ify Obinabo (Adaugo Ufuma) among others.
The event featured presentation of award, speeches, responses and entertainment.