Just like the parable of the prodigal son in the bible, no fewer than 44 students yesterday, decided to turn a new leaf as they openly and willingly renounced every form of association with secret cultism at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
The renunciation was made at the UNIZIK cult renunciation ceremony organized by the management of the institution and held at the convocation arena. The event according to the Director of Information and Public Relations of the university, Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu was also aimed at dedicating the institution, the staff and students back to the almighty God.
The event, which was the second of its kind in the annals of the citadel of learning, was well attended by staff and students of the university and was graced by eminent clergymen within and outside the confines of the institution. Present at the event include the vice chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku and the wife Dr. Gladys Ahaneku; the deputy vice chancellor (Academics), Prof. Charles Esimone; deputy vice chancellor (Administration), Prof. Onyeyili; the registrar, Barr. C.C Okeke and Dean, Students Affairs, Prof. Ken Nwogu.
In his homily, the guest clergyman, Rev. Fr. Paul Obayi popularly known as “Okunerere” (consuming fire) stated that cultism is full of deceit and adds no value to the lives of members. Fr. Obayi who disclosed that he was once an occultist before being arrested by God, revealed that in cultism, one is bonded, imprisoned and freedom restricted.
Frowning at the rate youths are dabbling into cultism, the revered clergyman said, “It is an act of foolishness to join cultism. There is no gain in cultism, it is embedded in deception”. He further charged the students to desist from cultism and face their primary assignment in school, which is to read and pass with good grades to become better persons in the society, urging them to return to God, as He is the giver of wisdom.
High point of the occasion was a special deliverance session of the 44 persons made up of both sexes by the officiating priests Rev. Fr. Obayi assisted by Rev. Fr. Mario- David Dibie and Rev. Fr. Bonachristus Umeogu. During the session, about 21 more persons came out under the auction of the Holy Spirit.
In his remark, the vice chancellor of the university, Prof. Ahaneku, described the event as a spiritual irrigation geared towards total submission of the staff and students of the institution to God.
Prof. Ahaneku who was visibly overwhelmed and marveled at the number of those that renounced cultism as well as the turn out of the university community at the event, thanked them for allowing God take control of their lives. In his words, “We need God to give us the enabling power to take control in our society. Because we have submitted, God has prepared us for the journey ahead. Be assured that the university management is here to protect your interest” to achieve the best degrees with which you can contribute to the development of the Nigerian society.
What we have done today is to submit to God and it will be captured in the records of this university as we train you not only in learning but also in character”. He expressed optimism that the contact from God has touched the lives of all the students in the university.
The chair, organizing committee and deputy vice chancellor (Academics) of the university, Prof. Esimone disclosed that the event is part of the resolve of the management of the institution to rid UNIZIK of all forms of secret cult activities and enthrone discipline and responsible studentship.
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