Ezinne Catherine Onyeme, wife of the Deputy Governor of Delta State, on Friday, attended this year’s Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols of Maris Schools, Amachai, Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Wife of the deputy governor took the first lesson taken from Genesis 3: 8-25, 17-19. She was accompanied to the occasion by Lady Brenda Osakwe, wife of the Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
At the occasion, Rev. Fr. Andrew Mozia, Priest in charge of Catholic Mass Centre, Maris Schools, admonished Christians to have faith in God.
He noted that Christmas is about charity, the period to show love to one another, serving God by serving humanity and emphasised that it is a period for Christians to look up to God for solutions to their challenges.
Fr. Mozia, also, called on Governor Oborevwori to construct the Amachai-Okpanam/Akwukwu-Igbo road to boost the socio-economic life of people living in the area.
He noted that checking the menace of Igwogwo erosion site would also, save lives and property of the people living in the area.
Earlier in a welcome address, Miss Rosaline Njoku, Senior Prefect of the school, noted that the Festival was to prepare Christians for the great Feast of Nativity of Jesus Christ.
She said, “We welcome you to the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols of Maris Schools. Maris Schools is located in an education-friendly environment at Amachai, Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area within the Delta State Capital Territory. The school which comprises Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools, provides flexible and cozy learning spaces for children.
“It was conceptualized to enhance good moral training and prepare well-inspired future leaders through a system of Nursery, Primary and Secondary Education.
The gate of Maris Schools was opened to pupils and students in the month of September, 2018 following a successful thanksgiving Mass celebrated by an array of Catholic Priests at the school compound on Wednesday, 25th July, 2018.
As the management of the school assured our parents and guardians on that day, standard facilities that are in tune with 21st century learning environment are not being compromised as international standards, with great attention to the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria, are adhered to in ensuring that students of Maris Schools compete with their peers anywhere in the world.
“Today is very significant, especially as we anticipate the great Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
“Academically, we are doing well, we have been fielding candidates for Primary Six Placement Examinations, Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE) and O’Level Examinations. In short, Maris Schools is the official examination centre for National Business and Technical Board (NABTEB) and it may interest you to know that while we are here, some NABTEB candidates are in the examination hall and we pray that God will crown their efforts with success through Christ our Lord. Amen.
“We thank our parents for believing that God will use Maris Schools as a good training ground for us.
“As an institution established in memory of Stella-Maris Chukwufunimnenya Egugbo, it is still young, and we believe that God will provide for you to assist us to grow and contribute to making the society better. We most humbly solicit your assistance to enable us fix necessary facilities at Maris Schools. Based on location, we still need buses, finance to boost our facilities, scholarship for indigent and intelligent students/pupils, among others.
“Few weeks ago, the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku, Most Revd. Dr. Michael Odogwu Elue, has also, approved this Hall, Maris Hall as a Mass Centre to cater for the spiritual needs of people in our neighbourhood.
“God has used you to assist us to this stage, He that knows all will certainly, touch you to assist us the more. Kindly reach us on +2348032933933 or through our bankers: Zenith Bank Plc, Account Number: 1017189528 NAME OF ACCOUNT: Maris Secondary School.
“… your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:6.
“It is important that we remember our Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and our dear Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, in our prayers . Without mincing words, our proprietor, Comrade Fidelis Egugbo is presently, serving as the Senior Special Assistant, Media, to the Governor and the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor.
“Our Nigeria of today is full of uncertainties, but we have faith that proper upbringing of children, fervent prayers for peace, goodwill and understanding rising with hymns and carols to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ can make the difference.
“The choir shall render most of the songs but the congregation plays a central role as it involves the coming together of everyone in making joyful noise to the Lord. The prayers and scripture readings, the great hymns and the soaring music of the choir, by the grace of God, is our Christmas tradition.
“Please listen intently, pray and sing with your heart, mind, and voice.
“Once again, we thank you for attending this memorable event.”
Some of those who attended this year’s event include Elder Sunny Edoge, Engr Oke-Oghene Owhe, Mr Sam Ijeh, Comrade Patrick Nwanze, Mr Dennis Medi, parents of pupils and students of the school, among several others.
The event featured scriptural readings, hymns, drama performance, among others.
Worthy of note too was the presence of St. Cecilia Choir of Catholic Church of the Ascension, Asaba.
