BENIN CITY- Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, Sunday, gave concret expression to the popular saying that there is reward for hard work as he announced a surprise gift of Sienna car for the Chief Security Officer, St. Paul Minor Seminary, Mr. Jimoh Owobu Ani. He did not stop at that as he also announced a cash gift of #500,000 to enable him maintain the car.
The Deputy Governor who was presented with an award plaque for his immense contribution to the seminary where boys are trained to be future priests, said it was good to reward hard work and dedication to duty to serve as a source of encouragement and motivation to others.
He stated that it was noteworthy that parents and even the seminary rector nominated the school’s chief security officer for a special award in recognition of his diligence and dedication to duty.
Shaibu praised St. Paul Minor Seminary Catholic Community and it’s coordinators for being good formator’s of future priests who influence society through their vocations.
The inculturation 2019 harvest Mass/fundraising proceeds are to be channeled towards carrying out key projects during the year to provide a conducive learning environment for the minor seminarians.
As part of ceremonies, plaques and also apostolate blessings were presented to deserving personalities who have been of help to the seminary community over the years.
Captain Idahosa Okunbor represented by Pastor Razaq Bello-Osagie said the harvest was an opportunity to “thank God and associate with the seminary where core values are taught which represent an existentialist imperative, in the way we build and raise our children, especially in a country that is faced with a plethora of crises and problems.”
In his homily, during the concelebrated mass, Archbishop of Benin, Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Akubeze, represented by Chancellor, Archdiocese of Benin, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh, stated that giving was an attitude; it must be done with sacrifice, as the prayers of the young and innocent is always.
Like St. Peter and Paul who were martyred same day in Rome haven given their lives to the service of Jesus Christ, he called on donors to step forward at providing funds which would be used for the formation of young boys who have also given their lives to the service of God.
