The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Martins has called on people of good will, Catholics in particular, to support the growth of Catholic tertiary institutions, especially Augustine University, Ilaria, Epe, which is in its nascent stage, so as to fulfill its purpose in the nearest future. Archbishop Martins made the appeal while delivering the homily at Mass, during the 10th anniversary thanksgiving Mass and launch of the anniversary brochure, held recently at the school Chapel and Convocation Hall, respectively.
The Archbishop commended all who have supported the institution in various ways, paying tribute to the Visioner and Project Initiator, Anthony Cardinal Okogie as well as Mr. Femi Otedola who took up the building of the different phases of the Lady Otedola Faculty of Engineering, Chief Stephen Bakare for donating the ongoing construction of the Law Faculty and Sir Walter and Dame Winifred Akpani for building the school Chapel. He urged the people, parents, students, as well as staff and management to work for the common good in a selfless way, develop a love for learning and make the world a better place.
The Proprietor charged the students to ensure that their learning leads to their being instilled with virtues that would build their character, as he stated that learning without character is an aberration. According to him, the students and graduates of the institution must distinguish themselves in learning and character as well as eschew the get rich quick syndrome, as he advised parents, guardians and the elderly to groom the young people with good values.
He congratulated 29 students of the institution who received the sacrament of confirmation during the Mass, adding that the Holy Spirit is given to them afresh and they have become adults in the faith. “You have become adults in the faith because as you have received the sacrament of confirmation, the Holy Spirit comes upon you like the apostles on Pentecost. You are now soldiers of God. Archbishop Martins urged the newly confirmed to take their assignments as soldiers of God seriously, be of good conduct, and bear witness to Christ by the way they do things, asking them to bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit in all that they do.
He assigned them to look up to the story of the saints whose name they have chosen and be inspired by the life of such people. The event had in attendance the Chancellor, Mr. Femi Otedola, ably represented by Mr. Philip Akinola, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Christopher Odetunde, Sir Steve Omojafor, Chairman, BoT, Chief Gilbert Grant, Pro Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, the Alara of Ilara, ably represented, and a host of distinguished personalities. The highlights of the event included viewing of the anniversary documentary, and unveiling of the 10th anniversary brochure.
