…Urges Nigerian leaders to emulate heroic qualities

By Constaincia Uruakpa

The former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi has called for the immortalization of Rev. Sr. (Dr.) Henrietta Alokha, Cathoilic nun that lost her life while rescuing her students at Bethlehem Secondary School from fire outbreak caused by pipeline explosion at Abule-Ado area of Lagos State. Obi who gave the charge while speaking at the Farewell Musical Concert organized in honour of Rev. Sr. Henrietta Alokha , by the Holy Family Troupe, in conjunction with Bethlehem Girls’ College Family, held recently at the Catholic Church of Nativity, Festac, Lagos, described Sr. Alokha as another St. Theresa of the Child Jesus. In his words: “ Like St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, she was at her little corner in the college, taking extraordinary care of the students entrusted to her, to the point of losing her life, so that they might be safe. Such people need to be immortalized, to show others that we can change the world from our little corners.” The Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP, in the 2019 Presidential election, described Sr. Alokha’s life as “Full of examples for us as a people.” He added: “She teaches us that we do not have to be presidents or governors to effect positive changes in the country. We can resolve to do our little chores as councilors, teachers, civil servants, mechanics, among others, in a manner that is pleasing to God and humanity.” Mr. Orlando Chuks Okeke, One of the organizers of the event, and the Troupe’s musical Director, disclosed that the consensus to invite Mr. Peter Obi as the Guest of Honour was because of the similarities he shared with Sr. Henrietta. According to him, like Sr. Henrietta, Obi is passionate about education, training of the young ones along the paths of rectitude, as well as the inculcation of discipline and morals by example. Representative of Most Rev. (Dr). Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of Lagos, Rev. Fr. Jerome Akinyemi urged Mr. Peter Obi, not to relent in his good works on the country, especially his passion for education, health delivery and the economy. Sr. Alokha died on the 15th of March, 2020.