Rector, St Pius X Spiritual Year Seminary, Akwu-Ukwu, Anambra State Rev. Fr Celestine Umeh has narrated how the institution moved from being economically dependent to being self-reliant after former Anambra State governor Peter Obi came to their aid and donated generously towards their agricultural business.
Umeh, who spoke during the recent investiture of 24 seminarians with clerical soutanes at the seminary, described Mr Obi as one who not only preaches but supports job creation for a better and prosperous society.
The rector narrated that before Obi came to their aid, the seminary had an agricultural investment that was, at most, unproductive.
He said, “Our brother, Mr. Peter Obi, visited us as the then governor of Anambra State, and saw the challenges we faced with our farms. He gave us a massive support that marked the turning point for us. Today, our poultry produces, on the average, 150 crates of eggs daily. Our pig farm, which had only 50 piglets, now has about 700 healthy pigs, after we sold 300 last month. Our quail farms too are doing well.
“In fulfilling Mr. Obi’s dreams, we have created jobs for many people, who even live within the seminary premises with their families. The proceeds from our piggery and poultry have helped us to build an academic block for our students, which we could not do earlier due to paucity of funds. We are indeed grateful to Peter Obi for his support that has helped us thus far. I am certain that Obi will do more at the national level when given the opportunity.”
On his part, the Catholic bishop of Onitsha Archdiocese and proprietor of the seminary, Most Rev’d Valerian Okeke, who presided over the concelebrated Holy Mass wherein the 24 seminarians were invested with clerical soutanes, also lauded Obi for his constant and inestimable support to the church.
Appreciating the bishop and the rector, Obi explained that the church deserves praise for the roles it plays in nation building.
