The Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, recently paid a visit to the retired Principal of College of the Immaculate Conception (CIC) Enugu, Rev Msgr Charles Ikeme (Samankwe Odobro), at his residence in Enugu, describing him as a great formator who moulded men of great character.

Addressing newsmen, Obi, who was accompanied by the former Commissioner for Works, Enugu State, Hon Ugochukwu Agballah, revealed that the visit to the elderly priest was motivated by the need to identify with and appreciate such “living apostles that raised generations of great men.”

Obi said: “I could see in him late Fr Nicholas Tagbo, Former Principal of Christ the King College, Onitsha; Rev Canon H. D. O. Chiwuzie, former Principal of Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha, and other great youth formators everywhere. These were men who invested their youthful energy in shaping great destinies.”

He hailed Ikeme’s formative style, which he said, “helped to build the past we are proud of and always referred to and to raise great men and women successful in different fields of endeavour across the globe.” He said the likes of Fr Ikeme, Rev Canon Chiwuzie, Mr. J. Chukwurah, Alvan Ikoku, and many others across the country, were instrumental to the human resources development of the nation and contributed in making Nigeria a reference point of greatness, in the past.

Obi further appreciated Ikeme’s contributions to the development of South East, saying that he raised a generation of South Eastern youths who took pride in hard work, discipline and good morals, a sharp contrast to what is seen today.

He called on teachers and formators at all levels to follow the steps of the likes of Fr Charles Ikeme, Fr Nicholas Tagbo, etc, and leave positive and lasting impacts on their students.

Appreciating Mr. Peter Obi and Hon Ugochukwu Agballah for their visit and show of love, Fr Ikeme presented them with copies of his autobiography. He promised to continue to pray for them and pray for the nation of Nigeria, in distress.

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