Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general elections, joined the formators, management, and seminarians of Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the esteemed institution.
Obi disclosed this in a post on his verified X handle formerly Twitter.
Established in 1924, Bigard Seminary has spent the past century shaping generations of clergy and leaders who have made indelible contributions to the Church and society.
Addressing the gathering, Obi reflected on the seminary’s profound legacy. “Bigard Seminary has a rich history of shaping generations of men who have made significant contributions to the Church and society. Since its inception, it has produced outstanding leaders whose influence spans across the globe,” he said.
Obi celebrated the seminary’s role in producing four cardinals of international repute: “The seminary has produced four cardinals: His Eminence, the late Ignatius Cardinal Ekandem; His Eminence, Francis Cardinal Arinze; His Eminence, Christian Cardinal Tumi from Cameroon; and His Eminence, Peter Cardinal Okpaleke.”
He also acknowledged the over 35 archbishops and bishops the institution has trained. These include His Grace Fortunatus Nwachukwu, the Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization and Chief Celebrant of the anniversary Mass; His Grace Valerian Maduka Okeke, Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province; and His Grace Lucius Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).
“Beyond these, Bigard Seminary has formed countless priests whose contributions to God’s work and humanity are too numerous to mention,” Obi added.
Commending the seminary’s impact on both spiritual and societal development, Obi praised its commitment to raising leaders of learning and character. “I rejoice with the entire Bigard family on this impactful journey of 100 years in raising men of learning and character,” he remarked.
He concluded with a message of hope and optimism, saying, “I wish them continued success as they strive to build a more productive and just nation. A New Nigeria is POssible.”
Bigard Memorial Seminary’s centenary celebration not only highlights its rich heritage but also reaffirms its enduring role as a pillar of leadership, character, and service within and beyond Nigeria. The event was a moment of pride and reflection for the Catholic community and all who have been influenced by the institution’s remarkable journey.