The Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, on Wednesday offered warm and measured commendations to Mrs Francisca Odiegwu, Head Teacher of Our Lady of Fatima (Woliwo Primary School 2), Onitsha, whose institution was recently crowned Best Basic School in Nigeria at the Federal Government’s Teacher’s Day celebrations in Abuja.
The school not only secured the coveted first position but also received a star prize of an 18-seater Hummer bus, alongside a formal certificate recognising its exemplary performance. The award, granted after a nationwide assessment of basic schools across the 36 states of the federation, marks a significant milestone both for the institution and for the Onitsha Archdiocese.
Receiving Mrs Odiegwu at the Basilica, Archbishop Okeke described the achievement as a testament to her “exceptional acumen and steadfast commitment”. He noted that emerging first in such a competitive national field demonstrated “a rare blend of ingenuity, diligence, and clarity of purpose”.
The Archbishop reaffirmed his unfaltering support for mission schools, emphasising the Church’s long-standing commitment to educational excellence. “You have our goodwill and our support as you continue to build a better future generation,” he said, adding a solemn prayer that the blessings accompanying her hard-won success “will abide with her all the days of her life”.
Reflecting on the broader educational landscape, Archbishop Okeke recalled the impressive track record of Archdiocesan schools, both within Nigeria and internationally, observing that sustained investment in the sector has yielded “fruit that endures”. He underscored that the triumph of Woliwo Primary School 2 further vindicates the Archdiocese’s decades-long pursuit of scholastic upliftment.
In his remarks, Rev. Fr Dr Paschal Onwugbenu, Education Secretary of the Onitsha Archdiocese, expressed profound gratitude to the Archbishop for his unwavering support, which he said has continually galvanised teachers and administrators to strive for excellence. He described Archbishop Okeke as a “compelling source of inspiration”, noting that the Education Department “cannot thank him enough” for his consistent encouragement.
Mrs Odiegwu, accompanied by Mrs Kate Ngozi Ogbonna, Head Teacher of Sancta Maria Primary School, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the Archbishop’s prayers and pastoral guidance. She pledged to remain steadfast in her vocation, maintaining the standards that earned her school national acclaim.
The event concluded with the Archbishop’s blessing and inspection of the newly acquired 18-seater bus, now symbolising both achievement and renewed commitment to educational advancement in the Archdiocese.