By Deborah Chinyelum and R.A. Yakubu
It was a tripartite event as Handmaids Infant Jesus Nursery/Basic School, Awka celebrated four decades of her establishment; 37th Graduation Ceremony of her pupils and the Inauguration of her Alumni. on Monday, July 21, 2025.
The event began with a thanksgiving Mass presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor. In his homily at the mass, the Bishop appreciated the Congregation of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus for their unique interest in education apostolate. He observed that their activities in Handmaids Infant Jesus, Awka have shown that the Congregation wants the interest of Children, the future of the Church and society.
He charged the pupils and their parents to use the opportunity the school provides to do the needful in shaping the face of the society. He instructed the about 100 pupils who received the sacrament of confirmation to keep to the gifts of the Holy Spirit which they are receiving today, even as he reminded them that the Holy Spirit stays in hearts that are docile and childlike. While congratulating the graduands, the Prelate assured them that with the type of training they were drilled in, they would excel in any sphere of life.
In her welcome address, the headmistress, Sr. Stella Maris O. Nworji, expressed gratitude to the Bishop for coming. She thanked all the guests who honoured their invitation, especially the Alumni and the parents of the pupils.
Recounting the progress in the school, the headmistress attested that all the successes recorded had been product of God’s grace, the support of the people and the commitment the pupils of the school whom she referred to as little angels. She thanked the Alumni of the school for their financial support and assured the audience that they would keep the flag of excellence and discipline which the school was known for flying.
Similarly, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Henry Obi, in his own speech, explained that the school had really impacted on the lives of children, many of whom he noted were doing great in the different fields of life. He encouraged the staff and management of the school not to relent in the service they were providing for the Church and the society.
Fides gathered that the Handmaids Infant Jesus Nursery and Basic school, Awka which was established on January 7th 1985 with just 32 pupils now has more than 1,000 pupils and numerous staff and teachers.
The event featured also the recognition of Lady Perpetua Ifezue, who was the first teacher
of Infant Jesus Nursery & Primary school. Lady Ifezue expressed joy and gratitude for that singular honour bestowed on her, saying that it was quite encouraging.
Other highlights of the event were; presentation of welcome and farewell songs by different groups and classes debate on the influence of social media on children; an Igbo panel discussion on ”Hunger in the land”; display by the newly formed Ogene boys of the school; cutting of Anniversary cake; display by the Ekombi and Karaoke Dancers; Igwe and Lọlọ Competitions; the inauguration of the school functionaries for the next academic session and many more.
In his vote of thanks, the P.T.A. Chairman, Mr. Chinedu Innocent Anazodo, thanked all present and the representative of the Superior General and Provincial Superior.
