The Nigerian Catholic Archbishop also noted “with satisfaction” the faith practice at GOUNI, which he described as “the spiritual ethos of common daily prayers by students and members of staff in addition to the morning Masses.”
These faith practices, he said, “do not only give God a place in the heart of the University, but also create a conducive atmosphere which helps to churn out graduates imbued with the fear of God, and the sense of right and wrong, virtues badly needed in our country where in many cases morality is thrown to the dogs when people are entrusted with leadership positions to promote the common good.”
Turning his attention to the graduands, Archbishop Kaigama urged them to be shining stars to the outside community as they “hold firmly to the word of life”, which he said should manifest in their good behavour, and a show of values and virtues learned while at GOUNI.
“As you leave this university academically equipped, spiritually recharged, and morally transformed, I believe that the spirit of your Alma Mater, the Godfrey Okoye University, will always motivate, inspire and guide you and its motto will continue to be your inspiration wherever you find yourselves,” the Local Ordinary of Abuja Archdiocese since November 2019 said.
He added, “My dear young, intelligent, dynamic, and promising graduating students, please be patient with all the ups and downs you will face as you go into the wider society in search of what to do to make meaning of your life.”
The 64-year-old Nigerian Archbishop who started his Episcopal Ministry in April 1995 as Bishop of Nigeria’s Jalingo Diocese went on to caution the graduands against criminality and violence, saying, “What dialogue and enlightened behavior cannot give you; violence or criminality cannot do it.”
He expressed optimism that Nigeria’s new political leaders will live up to their promises of making Africa’s most populous nation better to enable GOUNI graduates and others in the country realize the “dividends of democracy.”
Dividends of democracy for Nigerians, Archbishop Kaigama said, should be “predicated on fairness, equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, without alienating or marginalizing anyone or group on account of unhealthy political calculations.”
Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.
